TRURO, N.S. – The Truro Jr. A Bearcats came out flying Friday night, scoring four unanswered goals in the second period, before going on to a 6-2 victory over the visiting Amherst Ramblers.
The Bearcats’ offence was sparked by the four-point performance of Shaun Bily, with a goal and three assists, while Gavin Hart scored twice to help the cause.
Netminder Myles Hektor gets full marks for the win, stopping 39 of 41 Ramblers’ shots, and earning first-star honours.
The teams were deadlocked at a goal after the first frame, but Truro turned up the heat in the second, scoring four times on 12 shots. Penalty killing was key as well, as the Bearcats neutralized the Ramblers on three opportunities in the period.
Other scorers for Truro were rearguard Curtis Heffernan, who was named the game’s third star, Will Mizuik and Karter Renouf. G Blackmore and Carson Lanceleve chipped in with a pair of helpers each.
Replying for Amherst were Dawson Grenier and Casey Fox.
The margin of victory could have been greater. Blackmore was sent in all alone on Ramblers' netminder Matt Williams nearing the midway point of the second period. Blackmore picked the top corner and just missed with his blast.
Overall Amherst outshot the Bearcats 41-38. Truro made good on one of five powerplay chances, the Ramblers were good on one of six. Both powerplay markers came in the opening period.
With the win, the Bearcats moved into sole possession of second place in the MHL’s Eastlink Division with 18 points, two ahead of the Ramblers. Yarmouth Mariners lead the division and the league with 23 points.
Next up for the Bearcats is a swing through New Brunswick, while curling takes centre ice for the week at the RECC. Friday night they are in Campbellton to face the Tigers and Saturday they take on the Timberwolves in Miramichi. Both are 7:30 p.m. starts.
Next home game for Truro is Saturday Nov. 3, when they entertain the Pictou County Weeks Crushers at the RECC at 7 p.m.