TRURO, N.S. – Members of the Truro Bearcats junior A hockey team were honoured as they gave their final words on the 2017-18 season and said goodbye to teammates at a closing banquet Tuesday.
Team members, staff, coaches, supporters, family members and team owner Stu Rath gathered at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre for the annual event to close out the team’s 21st season with a dinner, awards and a few speeches.
“I’ve been around for all 21 years of the Bearcats, but this year was a little more special than the rest,” said Gerry Hale, media relations coordinator for the team.
“We had a few returning players, 10 rookies starting the year, new goalies, and by Christmas time, we really found the identity the coach was looking for. We became the hottest team in the Maritime Hockey League for the second half of the season.”
Team and individual awards were handed out during the evening, and honourable mentions were made to players, staff and supporters.
The Bearcats also said goodbye to eight players who graduated from junior hockey this season. Each player was presented with their jersey and spoke about the past year and their career with the Bearcats. Graduating players included Alex Macdonald, Kevin Resop, Campbell Pickard, Mark O’Shaughnessy, Dan Little, Cam MacLeod, Tyler Pyke and Riley Baggs.
Among those not returning next season is Noah Archibald, who is retiring from hockey entirely due to health reasons. Archibald was also presented with his jersey, and spoke about his time with the Bearcats and the difficult decision to hang up the blades.
“I’m very disappointed I won’t be back next year to play my final season,” he said.
“If I could return, I would, but I have to look after my body. It feels like just yesterday I was a baby faced 16-year-old rookie going to my first training camp. The last four years passed in the blink of an eye, but it was the best four years of my life.”
Archibald was set to return next year to play his final season of junior hockey before making the decision to retire.
“I don’t know what the future holds for Noah, but if he is still around town in the fall, we certainly would like to include him with our team for the final year,” said head coach Shawn Evans.
“We will see how the summer goes and what the light brings for him. I’ve known Noah since he was a little dude, he’s a good dude and I will miss him.”
Award Winners
MacQuarries Three Star Selection
1st half and overall – Campbell Pickard
2nd half – Cam MacLeod
Will Sutherland Memorial Award
Cam MacLeod
Iron Man
Campbell Pickard
Riley Baggs
Kevin Resop
Cam MacLeod
Luke MacMillan
Player's Player
Campbell Pickard
Hardest Worker
Dylan Burton
Unsung Hero
Luke MacMillan
Best Attitude
Kevin Resop
Most Dedicated Award
Kevin Resop
Ryan Porter
DQ Belt (Thursday shootout winner)
Noah Archibald
