Bearcats training camp gets started this weekend

It’s just that time of year again.
You know it when the provincial exhibition, school supplies and junior hockey are topics of conversation around town.
Since the end of the 2018-2019 season, much has happened in the MHL. It started at the top with the hiring of a new league president, who got his feet wet quickly.
June’s annual general meeting adopted a vision going forward by embracing development, innovation and advancement, we (MHL) aspire to be known as the premier junior “A” league in Canada.
That’s a tall order but it has the support of all 12 teams, who have acquired the services of Sport/Entertainment/Atlantic (S/E/A) for a two-year term.
This marketing firm is charged with growing the MHL brand, making it a league of choice and addressing sustainability – all worthy goals.
The St. Stephen County Aces’ franchise has been purchased by a Fredericton ownership group. The Red Wings are preparing for their inaugural season.
Six of the teams will have new head coaches on the bench. Some bench bosses are new to the MHL, while others have been reshuffled.
Closer to home, the Bearcats’ coaching staff remains intact, except for the addition of a skills coach to deal with that aspect of the program.
While management is pleased with the June draft selections, and with potential returnees and acquisitions, it awaits the opening of camp to see who shows up.
The Bearcat training camp gets underway this Sunday with the fitness testing, 1 p.m. at the TAAC Grounds. All prospects hit the ice at 8 p.m. that evening at the RECC.
Check the Bearcat website to see the full camp schedule. Lots will be going on through to the start of the regular season on Sept. 12th.
The team was competitive last year with its fourth-place finish. It wants to be more competitive this year.
Bearcat season tickets are on sale at the RECC welcome desk and online at TicketPro.ca and trurojrabearcats.ca. The prices are unchanged at $220 (adult) and $180 (senior/student).
The team is doing some cross promotion with the RECC and the 2020 IIHF Women’s World Hockey. Check out the added value of those season passes.
It’s a busy time.
Gerry Hale is president and media relations co-ordinator of the Truro Bearcats junior A hockey club.