By Gerry Hale
A character win on the road means a team had to dig deep to find a way to gain the verdict.
Friday's victory in Yarmouth fits that category. While speed and skill enabled the team to win previous games, this one required grit. Truro's play in the opening period set the Mariners on their heels but Yarmouth capitalized on a few breaks to even things up.
Those Bearcats accustomed to the grinding game were in their element as the contest swung in their favour. Timely saves helped as well.
Perhaps the largest crowd of the young MHL season witnessed the game and created a tremendous atmosphere. The Mariners also showed they're legitimate contenders.
Saturday's home win over the Metro Shipbuilders lacked the emotion of the previous night. The Bearcats were missing their jump in the early going but Truro took control of the game although they were sloppy by times and gave up too many chances.
Rookie goaltender Jacob Fancy showed the home crowd he clearly belongs. His response to the pressure was positive, making his first home win a confidence builder.
The Bearcats come into this week holding an eight-game win streak to start the season. Interestingly, the winning goal in each game was registered by a different player showing the team's depth.
Teams are somewhat frustrated by Truro's play to date. Opposing coaches being tossed late in games is an obvious sign.
For the Bearcats, now ranked third in the country, the game plan is to be ready for any opponent and any game. There can't be any other plan.
Truro's schedule gets a little busier this week. First up is a road trip to Dieppe tonight, then a home-and-home matchup with the Summerside Western Capitals Saturday and Sunday.
Dieppe is a good young team which has had mixed results thus far. The Commandos are continuing to improve and are slowly turning the corner.
Already, the Meek division team has demonstrated it has one of the top offensive units in the league and they will demand some undivided attention.
Saturday, the Bearcats host the top team in the Meek Division as Summerside comes to town for a 7:30 p.m. game. Truro ventures to Summerside Sunday. This year's Royal Bank Cup host has a handful of returnees and a large crop of veteran junior performers. Players on either side need not require any extra motivation for this one. The Capitals feel they have a great base, but aren't quite where they want to be come Spring. Sounds familiar.
Gerry Hale is media relations co-ordinator for the Truro Bearcats junior A hockey club.
