By Gerry Hale
A new streak has shown its colours in Bearcat nation and it's not a welcome one.
All will agree a solid road win followed by a flat home stand is not the kind of weekend to write home about.
In Woodstock, the Bearcats got off to a slow start but regrouped to take a two-goal lead late into the final period. A few mistakes by the Bearcats opened the gate for a Woodstock comeback and extra-session hockey. Fortunately, Truro took only seconds to sink the winner and claim its second road victory in Woodstock, a feat few teams have accomplished of late.
Saturday, at home to the Yarmouth Mariners, the coaching staff and fans were hard pressed to find any facet of the game the Bearcats controlled. The Mariners deserved the win. Their stacking of the neutral zone stymied Truro's game.
Truro's effort wasn't enough. It was disappointing not to be engaged sufficiently to challenge for the win at home against a higher-echelon team in the same division.
Sunday against Miramichi, the Bearcats played better but mistakes in their own end, and an inability to buy a bounce, proved too costly. The Bearcats did enough offensively to win but Miramichi goaltender Jordan Kennedy stood on his head and stole their thunder.
Truro's will to compete, although absent the previous night, was there.
Defensively, the good ship Bearcat was showing some leaks. The fragile areas need renovation. Throw in a more physical component while in dry dock.
Tonight, the Bearcats are scheduled to play the Crushers in the inaugural junior game at the Pictou County Wellness Centre. The contest gets started at 7 p.m. The Crushers played their last game at John Brother MacDonald Stadium in a losing effort last Thursday. They'll be looking for a fresh start in the new place.
It doesn't matter where these teams play, fans know the intensity level will be high.
Saturday, the Bearcats are home for an 8 p.m. game against the Bridgewater Lumberjacks. That team has run hot and cold all season. The last time in town, they competed the full 60 minutes before losing by a one-goal margin.
All games are going to be interesting.
Gerry Hale is media relations co-ordinator for the Truro Bearcats junior A hockey club.
