By Gerry Hale
Close but no cigar.
The Bearcats are in every game they’ve played but a scoring shortage has prevented them from getting the wins they want, and in some cases, deserve.
Three games this week was clearly a test of stamina. They came out of it with two SO losses and a regulation loss.
In Bridgewater, they squandered a two goal lead, only to lose in the skills competition.
In Fredericton, Friday, the hometown Red Wings scored a goal in each period, with no Bearcat replies.
Saturday, the Bearcats came back from a 3 1 deficit to tie the game with 23 remaining in the final period, but once again, it was the shootout which did them in – the third time this season.
There’s no question the team was leg-weary in Amherst; however, they hung tough, showing great perseverance to the bitter end. That was impressive.
So, coming into this week the Bearcats find themselves fifth in the Eastlink South Division, a single point out of fourth.
On the upside, it’s worthy to note that in the last five games, they managed to pick up points in four of them. That’s a positive.
So, too, is the goaltending. Both members of the Bearcats tandem have done their job.
The goal, as always, is to get better. The horses are there, but when things don’t go their way, they get off track, resorting to individual effort. That just doesn’t work in a team game.
It’s hard to be patient, but the team is beginning to realize it’s a tough league and you have to earn everything you get – as a team.
Well, it’s another busy week on tap. Tonight, the Bearcats are off to Pictou County to face the Crushers for the second time this season. High intensity will be in store from the drop of the puck at 7 p.m.
Friday night the Bearcats are finally at home again. The South Shore Lumberjacks will be in town for the 7 p.m. start at the RECC.
Saturday, the Bearcats make their third trip to Yarmouth. This one gets underway at 7:30 p.m.
So, another three-game-in-three-night weekend schedule. The tough sledding will soon slow.
Let’s help the Bearcats turn the corner.
Gerry Hale is president and media relations co-ordinator of the Truro Bearcats junior A hockey club.
