The Bobcats and their fans filed into David S Palmer arena with one word on their mind, Retribution. After a 9-3 defeat the night before in Knoxville, the Bobcats came out looking determined and ready to go. 

Most of the first period was a back and forth affair with the teams trading power play opportunities throughout. In a situation that has become all too familiar for the Cats and their fans Vermilion County fell behind 1-0 in the first period after a power play goal snuck past Corbin Kaczperski at 15:34. However, the Bobcats didn't slump their shoulders and didn't look deflated after the goal, instead they seemed even more motivated and drew a 5 on 3 before the end of the first period.

The 5 on 3 went for naught, but the Bobcats kept attacking in the second frame and as they were given another chance on the power play Mike Tish hustled to the front of the net and redirected a Dakota Ulmer shot past Jimmy Poreda to tie the game at one. As the period continued the effort ramped up even higher as the Cats continued to pour on the pressure outshooting Knoxville 14-10. With just 6:40 left to go Tish again sought the back of the net but a save careened to the side of the net where Justin Portillo scored his first of the season pushing the puck behind Poreda and leading the Bobcats to the third period with the lead for the first time in franchise history.

The IceBears are not a team to be taken lightly and just 2:17 into the third period found the back of the net to tie the game at two. Though both sides tried to throw everything they could on net nothing would get by either goalie. The teams headed for overtime giving Vermilion County their first point in franchise history. Unfortunately, the first win was not to be as the Cats and IceBears went back and forth with chances, but after a play that saw Kaczperski run over and a goal waived off moments later Stefan Brucato netted the game winner over the shoulder of Kaczperski for the 3-2 win.

Kaczperski stopped 33 in the losing effort.

The Cats will return to the David S Palmer Arena Wednesday night to take on the Peoria Riverment with a special 6 pm start time. Kick off your holiday right with the Bobcats live. Get your tickets at VCBobcats.com!