Things don’t always unfold as planned.
The Truro Bearcats were ready for a Thursday game in Pictou County, followed by a home date on Friday. Neither happened.
Disappointment may have played a part in Sunday’s 5-2 loss in Summerside – but only a little.
The Bearcats had a decent start and led at the end of the first period. The Capitals responded with three goals in the first three minutes of the second. Game over.
For a variety of reasons, the hole was too deep. The biggest was the Bearcats got away from the basics.
The Bearcat team has to be tough to play against. That can’t perform in spurts.
Grinding out wins is the Bearcat game. All have to buy into it for the long haul. This group knows that skating and hard work are essential.
The trade deadline passed last night. Whatever the final decisions, the path forward will be on the shoulders of those in the dressing room at the start of this week.
Weekend results changed the landscape of the Eastlink South Standings. A Valley Wildcat shutout win over the Edmundston Blizzard moved them into fifth spot, dropping the Crushers to the basement.
The Bearcats meet the Wildcats tomorrow (Friday), 7 p.m. at the RECC. Truro won the first four meetings but lost the last one in Berwick.
Obviously this is a big game for both. The Wildcats have turned heads lately and have sights set on greater things, whether immediately or down the road.
The Bearcats’ goal this week will be to focus on getting everyone on the same page, regardless of whom they play.
Truro has 20 games remaining, including the two make-up games from last weekend. Ten of them are at home.
Taking care of business in your own house and playing simple road games with positive results constitute the plan.
The Bearcats’ goal is always to be competitive, make the playoffs, then see what happens.
The team looks forward to your support in the race to the playoffs.
Gerry Hale is media relations co-ordinator of the Truro Bearcats junior A hockey club.
