If things don’t go your way, there’s usually a reason why.
The Truro Bearcats wanted all three wins last weekend. But as things turned out, they had to settle for two and were left to figure out why the third eluded them.
In Bridgewater, the Bearcats were forced to battle to earn the victory. The Lumberjacks, mired in fifth place in the EastLink Division, weren’t prepared to give anything away. It was a good start for a busy week. The competitive level was high and the Bearcats played all the minutes.
At home against Dieppe, the Bearcats again took an early lead but allowed the score to be closer than necessary.
By times, Truro was loose with the puck in their own end and it cost them a couple of times. Shooting yourself in the foot is not a good habit. It takes you out of the game and allows the competition to enter. At the end of the day, though, Truro has to be pleased with the contributions coming from all portions of the lineup.
Both of those games showed the opposition was not going to hand them anything. The wins were there but they had to be earned.
Sunday’s game clearly showed the importance of being ready. The Amherst Ramblers had come close to beating Truro a few times this season, but Sunday, being close wasn’t their intention.
The Ramblers came to play and the Bearcats didn’t answer the bell in the opening period. It was Amherst who set the tone. The Bearcats did rebound, and virtually lived in the Amherst end in the second period. But they couldn’t score.
It was too little, too late. There’s something to be said about two powerplay goals coming from rebounds. Mistakes come with a cost.
It’s been a busy stretch and come Saturday, the February schedule opens with a big game against the visiting Pictou County Crushers. The Crushers seemed to have victory in their grasp the last time the two sides met just two weeks ago, but the final four minutes belonged to the Bearcats and they turned the tide.
This will be the last regular season visit by the Crushers so they will be out to deliver a message. Fans should expect a dandy.
Tuesday, the Bearcats return to Bridgewater. Before this month ends, Truro will have six home games and three on the road.
The end of the regular season is in sight, so too, are visions of the opening of the new arena, playoffs and the Fred Page Cup.
These are great hockey times.
Gerry Hale is media relations co-ordinator for the Truro Bearcats junior A hockey club
