TRURO, N.S.
The Truro Bearcats threw everything they could at rookie netminder Cole McLaren Friday night but came away with nothing to show for it.
The Bearcats mustered 38 shots against the Valley Wildcats goalie but McLaren held fast as the Wildcats took a 2-0 decision in Maritime Hockey League play at the Rath-Eastlink Community Centre.
Makail Parker scored in the first and Drew Packman tallied on the power play in the second to give Valley all the offence they would need.
With a lot of games yet to play this season, three teams are grappling for the fourth and final playoff spot in the MHL’s Eastlink South Division. The Bearcats (14-16-1) were precariously holding on to fourth place heading into action Sunday with 29 points. Breathing down their necks were the Wildcats (13-18-1-1) and Pictou County Weeks Crushers (12-15-2-2), both with 28 points.
The Amherst Ramblers (16-5-5-5) continue to tighten their grip on third place in the division with 42 points, and the Yarmouth Mariners (23-8-1-0) and South Shore Lumberjacks (22-10-0-1) are duking it out for first with 47 and 45 points, respectively.
In the north division, Edmundston Blizzard (24-6-3-0) continue to soar with 51 points, their closest rival being Summerside Western Capitals (19-12-1-0) with 39.
Western Capitals visit Friday
This Thursday, the Bearcats visit the Lumberjacks for a 7 p.m. game in Bridgewater.
Friday, Truro hosts the Summerside Western Capitals. After a relatively slow start, the Caps have been on a roll, with impressive stats both offensively and defensively.
Forward TJ Shea leads the league in points (73), goals (30) and assists (43). Netminder Dominik Tmej leads the league’s goaltenders in goals-against (1.65), save percentage (.950), and shutouts (4).
Game time at the RECC is 7 p.m.
