TRURO, N.S. – The Truro Bearcats have officially completed the first half of their regular-season schedule.
The team reached this stage on a four-game losing skid. Their record (13-12) has them fourth in the Eastlink South Division.
Maybe not what the team prefers, but it is what it is and is a fair position.
The three loses last week were delivered by divisional rivals. By times, the Bearcats played solid five-on-five hockey, but obviously not consistently enough.
In the first meeting with Yarmouth, the Bearcats did not appear up to the task. The Mariners didn’t do anything unexpected, but breakdowns in the defensive zone, an inefficient power play and an inability to capitalize on opportunities did the Bearcats in.
In Pictou County, the hometown Crushers scored early and often and the Bearcats, ever so hard they tried, couldn’t fully crawl out of that initial hole.
In Yarmouth, the Bearcats played their best game of the three. They had their chances but couldn’t get the goals.
Statistically, over the first half, the Bearcats are 9-6 at home and 4-6 on the road. The team looks to finish the December schedule with four road games.
Before that begins, the Bearcats have an exciting opportunity, playing an exhibition game against the Czech Republic tomorrow (Friday), 3:30 p.m. at the RECC.
This will be a great experience for the players and the organization is proud to be part of the lead-up to the 2017 World Junior A Challenge, beginning Sunday.
Saturday, the Bearcats are in Berwick to face the Valley Wildcats. Lately the division’s cellar-dweller had been unkind to visitors.
The Bearcats thank all those who contributed to the Teddy Bear Toss last Wednesday. It’s a good thing when 259 Teddy Bears can be handed to the Christmas Index for distribution.
Besides practice, games and school, junior players are in demand. In the coming days Bearcat players are involved in the Salvation Army Kettle Campaign, and serving Christmas dinners at local schools.
It’s all part of the junior experience. So too is resiliency.
Watch out second half.
Gerry Hale is media relations co-ordinator for the Truro Bearcats junior A hockey club.
