TRURO, N.S. – That was a weekend the Truro Bearcats are happy to have behind them.
It was a mammoth task getting to three sites in as many nights. Losing two of the games made it more difficult.
Friday, in Woodstock, the Bearcats squandered an early lead. The Slammers’ response was to score three unanswered goals in the final period.
Saturday, the Bearcats ended an extended losing streak by pulling out a close one in St. Stephen. That took a load off.
Sunday, they came out on the short end of a 2-1 verdict to the MHL’s top team. Edmundston now claims three wins over the Bearcats this season.
The Bearcats played three good games, but, not good enough. Coming close counts in horseshoes.
When the chips settled, Bearcat goaltending proved stingy, allowing just six goals over the three outings. Keeping things close gave the skaters an opportunity.
At the other end of the rink, the Bearcats scored just four goals, clearly not enough to win a multi-game weekend, especially on the road.
In all three games, though, the Bearcats opened the scoring. That was a vast improvement over the previous week when they played catch up from the outset.
The Bearcats enter the Christmas Break in fourth spot in the Eastlink South Division, two points behind the Ramblers and six up on the Crushers, both with games in hand.
Right now, the Bearcats are getting what they need most, time at home with family and friends. Getting recharged for the final 21 games of regular play is a must.
The team returns to town on Dec. 28th. The task before them will be clear. Solidify at least fourth spot, finish strong, then see what happens in the playoffs.
Until then, the players and organization wish all a happy and safe Christmas season. They’ll be ready to put their best foot forward come January – just watch.
Gerry Hale is media relations co-ordinator for the Truro Bearcats junior A hockey club.
