It looks like the Bearcats are beginning to play their best hockey at the right time.
There are always bumps along the road during every season and often it’s a matter of riding them out.
Last week, in Amherst, the Bearcats came out of the rough. For Truro, the tilt was about self-respect and getting back on track after losing the three previous meetings to Amherst. It was mission accomplished. Truro set the tone at the opening faceoff, pushed for 60 minutes, got big saves and employed a healthy powerplay.
The win slowed down the chest thumping in the Bordertown and set the stage for a productive home stand.
Against the Shipbuilders, the Bearcats did what they were supposed to do. The goal was to score and not to be scored on. Truro worked hard every shift and dominated the game.
Sunday’s meeting with Miramichi was disappointing in one respect. The Timberwolves, winners of two meetings with the Bearcats, did not appear willing to compete. Truro clearly outplayed Miramichi and for the second consecutive night, rolled four lines, each playing with urgency.
It was a good week in Bearcatland. Getting solid, simple play in both ends of the rink was the way to go.
From this corner the most significant stat for the week comes from the team’s powerplay. Going 6-for-9 is impressive.
This week, the Bearcats are preparing for a visit from the EastLink Division-leading Yarmouth Mariners on Saturday. The game gets underway at 7:30 p.m. If Truro is going to make a run for first, it starts with this game. There will be no holds barred in this one.
These rivals will meet on two more occasions before the end of the regular season.
On a sentimental note, it will be the last Truro Bearcats junior A game to be played at the Colchester Legion Stadium.
For months, players and fans have looked to the opening of the new venue but maybe lost sight of the great, storied association of the Stadium and junior Bearcats hockey stretching back to 1968 when the team entered the Metro Valley Junior Hockey League.
Wow. This game even became bigger.
Gerry Hale is media-relations co-ordinator for the Truro Bearcats junior A hockey club
