Rock Lobsters Crush Bobcats in Lopsided Rematch,10-2 (10-19-24)

By: Joey Raymond

Headline Photo Credit: Katie Raymond-LMS Network

Wythe County, Virginia – In what was expected to be a thrilling rematch, the Bobcats took to the ice for the second straight day against the Athens Rock Lobsters at Hitachi Energy Arena. With tensions already high from their previous encounter, both teams came out determined to assert their dominance. The Bobcats sought to avenge their recent loss, but the Rock Lobsters, riding a wave of confidence, had other plans. What followed was a game marked by heavy hits, fast-paced action, and an offensive onslaught from Athens that stunned the home crowd. Let’s break it down, period by period.

First Period: Lobsters Dominate Early

The opening minutes saw both teams come out aggressively, trading big hits in a physical start. However, just four minutes in, Carter Shinkaruk delivered a precise pass to Riley Robertson, who buried a shot to give the Rock Lobsters an early 1-0 lead. Moments later, Malik Johnson capitalized on a 2-on-1 breakaway, slipping the puck past the Bobcats’ goalie to extend the lead to 2-0.

The Lobsters kept the pressure on and found the back of the net once more, with Kayson Gallant firing a slap shot into the top corner, making it 3-0 before the halfway mark of the period. The Bobcats, struggling to contain the Rock Lobsters’ offense, finally caught a break with a penalty call against the Lobsters. Despite killing the penalty, the Bobcats responded quickly as Tristan Simm found the net on a breakaway, cutting the deficit to 3-1 just before the period ended.

Second Period: Bobcats Show Life but Fall Short

The Bobcats opened the second period with renewed energy. Egor Ramanau’s slap shot early in the period brought the score to 3-2, igniting the crowd. However, a penalty soon after gave the Lobsters a power play opportunity. Although the Bobcats killed it off, the Lobsters capitalized on a shorthanded chance, with Joseph Colatarci scoring to put Athens ahead 4-2.

The Lobsters would not let up. Orca Weisblatt’s pinpoint shot extended the lead to 5-2, and just minutes later, Carter Shinkaruk added another, pushing the score to 6-2. A fight between Justin Portillo and Carson Andreoli brought some brief excitement, but the period ended with the Lobsters in full control and the Bobcats reeling.

Third Period: Lobsters Continue the Onslaught

The Bobcats made a change in goal to start the third period, bringing in Hunter Virostek to try and stem the tide. However, the Rock Lobsters were relentless. Just seconds after the power play ended, Garrett Milan netted another goal, extending the lead to 7-2. Minutes later, Orca Weisblatt scored his second of the night, followed by a goal from Brandon Picard, making it 9-2.

As the game neared its end, Milan struck again, completing the Lobsters’ double-digit scoring at 10-2. Despite a few penalties late in the game, including an offsetting roughing call, the Bobcats could only watch as the final seconds mercifully ticked away.

Conclusion: Lobsters Prove Unstoppable

In a game that quickly got out of hand, the Athens Rock Lobsters put on a clinic, displaying relentless offense and strong team cohesion. The Bobcats, despite their efforts, were overwhelmed by the Lobsters’ firepower, leading to a one-sided 10-2 final score. With this tough loss behind them, the Bobcats will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next matchup. Their fans, who have seen flashes of brilliance throughout the season, will be hoping for a bounce-back performance in the coming games.

The Rock Lobsters, meanwhile, continue to assert themselves as a formidable force this season, building on their impressive momentum with yet another statement win.