Truro Jr A Bearcats

Bearcat Banter

Feb 4, 2010

Keep on Trucking

To say January was a productive month for the Truro Junior Bearcats would be an understatement. It could be considered nothing less when you win ten-of-eleven outings. While true Bearcat hockey didn’t surface in all those games, it doesn’t change the results. The run solidified the Bearcat hold on top spot in the Bent, creating a greater spread between them and the competition. Last Tuesday, Miramichi threw everything they could at Truro and had success with it. Once Truro applied pressure on the Timberwolves defence, the complexion of the game changed. Playing in the opposition’s end is a key to Bearcat hockey. If the boys don’t do it, they put themselves in jeopardy. Dieppe came to town with the league’s fewest goals scored. The Commandos got a soft goal, found life, then competed the rest of the night. Mentally, Truro just didn’t seem ready to play against a hungry team with everything to gain and nothing to lose. The Bearcats need to put in the time and effort to win, regardless of the competition. The game should never have gone to OT, but that’s why the game is played. The Commandos now feel they can play with the upper echelon in the league. The rebuilding team can build on that experience.

Bridgewater faced a Bearcat club which endured an attitude adjustment. Truro had all hands on deck, and playing with pride. They played the way they needed to play. It was an entertaining game even though Truro decided the outcome in the first period. To defeat the Lumberjacks you have to play well. They’re battling for points to avoid fourth place and a mini-series. They also have some depth up front.

February has the Bearcats playing five games at home and seven on the road. They enter the final month of the regular season in a good position in the standings, and a healthy roster. Having players competing for ice time at this time of the year is a good thing. So, too, is rotating people and keeping players fresh. Last night’s game in Woodstock was the start of a busy week. Friday, the Bearcats travel to Yarmouth to face a team needing points and the one which administered the January loss. Saturday, the league’s top team is in town. This is a game players and fans await with anticipation. Next Tuesday, Bridgewater returns, perhaps more determined than ever to send a message to a team, which may well, be a playoff opponent. Not an easy game in the mix.

Jan 15, 2010

BUSY STRETCH

The Truro Bearcats opened post-Christmas play with guns loaded and the safety off. In both weekend games, they jumped on the opposition, took early leads and put four points on the win column. The Yarmouth Mariners proved to be a formidable opponent. They’re greatly improved in player personnel and how they play the game, and appear ready for a significant stretch run. Truro, in its first outing since December 19, did enough to win after the layoff. By times, the Bearcats needed a good penalty-kill and they got it. Mistakes in the neutral zone, whether forced or generated by poor decisions, did not impact upon the final decision. The team left the ice feeling good about the win but knowing there’s work to be done. The Amherst game was over quickly. The Ramblers uncharacteristically left their heart in Cumberland County. Perhaps no other team in the Bent Division competes against the Bearcats as do the Ramblers, except on this occasion. It was a disappointing exhibition. The Bearcats, on the other hand, enjoyed the scoring frenzy. Perhaps a bit too much, at the expense of the defence-first game, but that will pass.

Tuesday, the Campbellton Tigers left nothing in the tank but were unable to find finish. It’s obvious that group of players wants to be there and their short-term pain should lead to long –term gain. For the first time in recent outings, the healthier Bearcats were able to roll four lines. With the schedule ahead, that’s a good thing. Friday, the Bearcats play the first of three games in as many nights. First up is the trip to Summerside. The Capitals are always tough, especially in their barn. They look at this game as an opportunity to win again against the Bearcats and to close the gap with Miramichi in the Meek Division. Saturday, the Pictou County Weeks Crushers visit with a roster deeper in goal and defence. A sixty-minute effort from both teams will be required to determine a winner in this one. Sunday, the Campbellton Tigers are back in town as they attempt to grow in respectability. They’re the youngest team in the league and most of their mistakes are purely rookie in nature. With rosters set, fans of the Bent Division should anticipate a two month race to the finish.

Jan 8, 2010

TRY AGAIN

The air around the Truro Bearcat dressing room reeked of disappointment. In fact, the weatherman created havoc with the January schedule in Amherst, Dieppe, Campbellton and Miramichi, as well. The only games played in the opening weekend of post-Christmas play were in Yarmouth, where the Mariners and Summerside Capitals split a pair of games and re-enacted the ‘war on the shore’ in the second game of the doubleheader. After a week’s break, the Bearcats were gnawing at the bit to scrape off the rust and engage in real shooting. Before the unscheduled interruptions, January saw the Bearcats with eleven games on tap, eight of which were home encounters. With a well-earned lead in the Bent Division and the prospect of playing seven games with divisional opponents, the Bearcats were looking forward to feasting on home cooking to increase the spread.

The extra week of preparation may help those on the injured list and give management more time to evaluate the needs for the stretch drive. In hockey, things happen. League observers are awaiting release of news regarding trades and acquisitions as the midnight hour on January 10th approaches. The Quebec Major Junior League’s deadline for trade and player movement is midnight tonight. Players may become available and resurface in the MJAHL. It makes for interesting times when the brain thrusts of the various franchises engage in this annual ritual. It’s a wait-to-see time when cards are held close to the chest. All that aside, the Bearcats must ready themselves again for their first home doubleheader of the year, weather permitting.

In town Saturday will be the Yarmouth Mariners, a team Truro has defeated twice this season. The Mariners underwent an ownership change which came onto effect January 1st. Stability is a legitimate goal of all franchises. A coaching change and the suggestion the team will bulk up indicate the club is looking to make some noise and venture deep into the playoffs. Sunday, the Amherst Ramblers make their third trip to the Stadium. The Bearcats have won two of the previous three meetings. Many feel the Ramblers are the Bent’s underachievers. It never looks that way when they face Truro, though. The Bearcat – Rambler encounters always remind fans of play-off hockey. The stretch drive is underway.

Dec 10, 2009

SOLID EFFORTS EACH TIME

Oh, there’s nothing like a trip to northern New Brunswick to cure what ails you. That’s true only some of the time, but for the Truro Bearcats, it served as a tonic to settle a three game losing streak. It’s tough on the psyche when you play well but fail to find a way to win. Good teams, however, can work through those situations to get back on track and make things right. In Campbellton, last Friday, the Bearcats scored at a pace of two goals per period with no replies. They took control early and did not relinquish their dominance. The game plan was to minimize odd man rushes against a hungry young team. That was established quickly. The Tigers have some good talent but their inexperience leads to discouragement against stronger teams.

In Miramichi, the Timberwolves came out hard, matched lines and took it to the Bearcats. Truro weathered the initial storm and settled into their game once they got on the scoreboard. A couple of soft goals and a solid second half took the starch out of the Timberwolves as they lost their second of the season to the Bearcats. Twelve goals scored over the weekend loosened the grip on the sticks. The offensive outburst was matched by superb goaltending. The addition of another experienced forward created options which were not available earlier. That’s a good thing.

Teams looking to match lines against the Bearcats will find the task a bit more difficult. Line tweaking has been upped a level. Ice time should not be automatic at this level. In fact, the battle for that commodity will make the team stronger, and that’s another good thing. The Bearcats have had the week to prepare for the Amherst Ramblers who visit Saturday at 7:30 pm. Each can claim a home ice win in a rivalry which increases in intensity with each meeting. When two teams play the same style, the difference often comes down to a break. The game marks the midpoint of the Bearcat season. First in the Bent, and second overall in the league, are enviable positions at this stage of the season. Don’t expect the Bearcats to be satisfied as the back half begins to unfold.

Nov 26, 2009

NEW SET OF HURDLES

There should be little doubt the Bent Division is full of challenges. There will be no easy games. It should be obvious to players and fans alike that nothing is going to be handed to them. The Bearcats managed to rack up four wins in as many games over the last two weeks. In each game, Truro faced teams determined to knock them off. While the Bearcats are aware most teams are throwing their best at them, they don’t appear to approach each game with the same level of preparedness. In Yarmouth, last week, Truro opened with plenty of jump, took an early lead and generally kept the Mariners on their heels for the duration of the contest. Yarmouth forechecked hard but as the score mounted the Mariners took chances only to find the Bearcats making them pay.

It was a solid effort against a team which didn’t want to lose at home to the Bearcats. Key to the victory was the good start. Against Amherst on Saturday, the Bearcats faced everything the Ramblers could muster and fire at them. Truro just didn’t seem ready to compete at the outset. For the first period and a bit, the Ramblers were the dominant team. It was a relentless attack spoiled only by their inability to score goals. Truro hung around to tie, then win on the back of a highlight reel goal. There’s no question it was a tough loss to swallow by the visitors. Both games illustrated the Bearcats will get a steady diet of good, honest, hard-working competition within their division, and beyond.

This week the challenges will be dressed as Slammers, Capitals and Crushers – not an easy game in the mix. Truro is in Woodstock, Friday, for a rematch with the Slammers. Their first meeting saw the clubs dead even after regulation time. The Slammers won the game and celebrated as if they won the Kent Cup. The Truro bench wasn’t too impressed by the outburst. Saturday, Summerside comes to town with a win over Truro to its credit. The defending champs are younger but have shown they can score goals and work hard. The Capitals have the league’s leading scorer on their roster. The rookie has been hotter than a two-dollar pistol. Tuesday, the Bearcats host the Pictou County Weeks Crushers, a team they’ve defeated four times this year. This will be a lunch bucket game and the Crushers will be out to change the trend. For sure, there are interesting nights ahead.

Nov 12, 2009

PACK CLOSING IN

The punishment doesn’t always fit the crime. In hockey, the rewards don’t always match the effort. In either case, it can be disappointing. For the first time this season, the Bearcats came out of a weekend without recording a win. In both cases they played well enough, but couldn’t find a win. In Amherst, Friday, Bearcat momentum was regularly stripped by penalties. What’s called, and when they’re called, can do more than keep you guessing. The second and third goals given up by the Bearcats occurred while playing two-men short. Truro was unable to overcome that kind of adversity. Take nothing away from the Ramblers. They were ready for Truro and played the kind of game expected. They clearly took advantage of the opportunities which came their way. Interestingly, that game was Truro’s fifth straight road game, going back to October 10. The 2-2-1 record in those games allowed them to stay atop their Division.

Saturday, Bearcat fans saw the reason why Woodstock’s record to date is what it is. The Slammers are big, fast and explosive. Twice the Bearcats held two goal leads. Against Woodstock, you need more than that. It was a hardnosed hockey game between two strong clubs. At the end of the day the difference was the third period. Truro was unable to capitalize on a breakaway and two penalty shots. Woodstock score their goals in that period. ‘Nuff said. If you witnessed the game, you realize this is a heated rivalry. Perhaps one which will generate some fireworks down the road.

Thursday, the Bearcats are on the road to Pictou County. They’ve defeated the Crushers three times this season, each game being spirited. The Crushers have picked up big wins recently, including a confidence-building victory over the Summerside Capitals. They’ll be waiting for the Bearcats.

Saturday, Truro hosts the Halifax Lions who make their first visit this season. The clubs split the two meetings in Halifax. On paper, the Lions are stronger than their record would indicate. A shutout win over the Ramblers, in Amherst, has the team looking seriously of moving up in the standings. Truro is the leader of the pack in the Bent Division; however, a short distance behind are four clubs capable of changing things quickly. It’s only November, but the race for positions is clearly on.

Nov 5, 2009

STOCK GOES UP

Consider it another opportunity for the league’s talented to be seen. Over the years, the MJAHL has transformed from a knock-‘em-down, drag-‘em-out circuit to a developmental enterprise. The Truro Bearcats franchise, building on the draft, bringing players along, had a lot to do with that change of direction. The October Showcase, introduced just a few short years ago, was developed to bring exposure to all MJAHL players, who, for years, were often considered to be on the outside looking in. The opportunity to put a team together to provide exhibition games for the World Junior A Challenge participants was readily accepted. The timetable was simple – name coaches in August; evaluate players at October Showcase; bring players to Truro on October 28th; play two games by midnight October 30th. When the celebrations ended, it was obvious the accomplishment was huge. The MJAHL All-Star squad owned wins over Canada East and Belarus. Everyone involved deserves credit for a job well done. The spin-off may be even more significant down the road. With those results, it’s hard to imagine that Canada East, made up of players conscripted from teams east of the Manitoba – Ontario border, had but one MJAHL skater on the roster.

The Challenge is well underway in Summerside. It’s a big event, considering fifty players from the first three years have been drafted (NHL Entry Draft). This week, the Bearcats get back to reality. Tomorrow, the team is in Amherst, then host Woodstock, Saturday. The Ramblers are always ready for the Bearcats. This is their first meeting of the season but the heat will get turned up with the drop of the puck. Truro will do what’s necessary to avoid the Ramblers plan to suffocate their every move. Nothing will come easy in that match-up. The Woodstock Slammers may possess the most talented squad in the league. The jury may be out on that statement, but no one can debate their scoring explosiveness. Truro must stay out of the penalty box, eliminate time and space and play physical hockey. That’s a tall order. The Bearcats have done a good job when they spend most of the game in the opponent’s end. Add that to the plan.

Oct 29, 2009

TOUGH GAMES FOLLOW TOUGH GAMES

A split for the weekend would make most teams happy. Losses in a competitive sport comes with the territory. What’s troublesome, though, can be the nature of the loss. In Summerside, last Friday, the explanation was simple. The hometown Capitals had more jump, won the races, won the battles and outworked the Bearcats. A combination of any of those factors is enough to do in any team. The Capitals are a solid team ready for the Bearcats. Truro’s defensive play was uncharacteristically not up to the task. For much of the game the defence was picked apart. The Bearcats are a better team than that and there’s no need to be outworked by any team in this league. You can get away with a soft effort some nights against some teams, but others will bury you. The Summerside game was proof of that.

Truro had its hands full at home against the Pictou County Weeks Crushers. There were enough adjustments overnight, however, to earn a shutout by the slimmest of margins. The Crushers game plan was to play a simple game, and to capitalize on any opportunities which surfaced. They accomplished the former but not the latter. The Crushers were a bit short-staffed, but their key bodies were there. They did have their chances, as well. The game mirrored the last Bearcat – Crusher contest – even at first, Truro strong in the second, Pictou County strong in the third. The Bearcats should realize by now that all teams want to beat them. No team will willingly give them an easy night.

Tonight, the Colchester Legion Stadium is the site of a very prominent event orchestrated by the Canadian Junior Hockey League. A MJAHL all-star team, with five Bearcats on the roster, plays the first of two exhibition games against World Junior A Challenge competition. In Canada East, the MJAHL squad faces a team made up of participants from the four Ontario Junior League, the Quebec AAA League and the MJAHL. Tomorrow, the MJAHL team faces Belarus, in Amherst. The Challenge gets underway, Sunday at the Summerside Credit Union Place. Regular Bearcat hockey resumes this Saturday when the Pictou County Weeks Crushers return to the Stadium. With three losses, in as many games against Truro, the Crushers will undoubtedly pull out all stops to change the pattern. The Bearcats will clearly have something to say about that plan.

Oct 22, 2009

THE MENTAL GAME

It was bound to happen some time. Then again, if you take five of the six points up for grabs, few people in the MJAHL will sympathize with you. Playing mid-week games in Halifax has been a problem for most teams over the years. Truro’s no exception but it’s not an excuse. The Bearcats just weren’t themselves until the third period. Their strengths, speed and size, weren’t put to use until the final frame. The overtime loss to the Bent’s bottom team served as a reality check and, in the long run, can prove to be very beneficial. Teams, no matter their standing, are going to win their share of the home games. Truro obviously wasn’t prepared for a reoccurrence in Dieppe or Campbellton.

Against the Commandoes, the Bearcats put together three solid periods, stayed out of the penalty box and utilized four lines – all things talked about following the overtime loss to the Lions. Scoring early and accentuating their strengths suffocated any thoughts the Dieppe club had about pinning a second loss on the Bearcats.

Saturday, the pesky Tigers opened an early lead but weren’t able to fend off Truro’s offence. Once the Bearcats took control, the wind was out of the Tiger sails. Campbellton is a young club moving in the right direction. Unfortunately, the Tigers haven’t learned to win yet. They’re also having difficulty attracting and keeping drafted players in their area, even though the franchise has one of the best facilities in the league. It was a busy stretch for the Bearcats. The setback enabled staff to address some concerns which couldn’t legitimately be raised when the team was executing an unbeaten streak.

The team is expecting two tough games this weekend. Friday, they’re on the road to face Summerside, then host Pictou County on Saturday. The Capitals have surprised many league observers. Gone are big name players off last year’s championship team. The lesser lights are shining and it’s clear the draft picks and recruits are prepared to continue the winning tradition of Island teams. The Crushers are in the midst of a race for second spot in the Bent. With their work ethic, it matters little who is in the lineup. Truro has won both previous games with the Crushers. They realize, however, the task gets more difficult each time out. Hats off to the four Bearcats named to the MJAHL All-Star team compiled to provide exhibition competition for World Junior “A” challenge teams. Next Thursday, that team plays Canada East in Truro. Game time is set for 7:30.

October 15, 2009

IN THE CROSS HAIRS

The stretch continues and the target just gets bigger. The Truro Bearcats came into the week with two more victories to their credit. Both games, however, were more demanding, perhaps the toughest of the young season. Thursday, in New Glasgow, the Bearcats were having their way with the hometown Crushers for most of the first half of the game. A disputed goal, whether right or wrong, changed things. Instead of being buried, the Crushers found life and outplayed Truro the third period. In the end, the Bearcats did enough to get the points. Mind you, they did so without playing their game for the full sixty minutes. The Crushers are for real, and if left off the hook, they can make you pay the price.

Saturday, at home, the Bearcats got behind early but regained control. Their response was more than enough to garner the win. The Bridgewater lumberjacks served notice they were for real, as well. A couple of solid lines and a good work ethic pushed the Bearcats and showed there is plenty of promise on the South Shore. There were, however, just too many penalties. Neither team was undisciplined but each was forced to alter their respective game plans. Special team play, in particular the penalty kill units, occupied much of the play. As it turned out, the edge went Truro’s way. This week, the Bearcats get a taste of an extended road trip starting tonight in Halifax and continuing with further stops in Dieppe and Campbellton. Their opponents are young cellar-dwellers. They’re also hungry. The Bearcats must play the games one-at-a-time and not study the standings. The Lions, on paper, are much stronger than their numbers suggest. The last time the two met, the Lions gave Truro plenty to think about.

Saturday, the club is in Dieppe to square off against a team which held the Bearcats to two goals the last time out. Sunday, the Campbellton Tigers will attempt to use their spacious arena to advantage. Teams can boost their confidence with good outings against teams ahead of them. With this in mind, Truro should expect nothing short of the very best each of these opponents can throw against them.

October 1, 2009

SHOWCASE IN SUMMERSIDE

The Truro Bearcats have come through September relatively unscathed. Four wins in as many games, two road victories, two shutout performances, only three goals against all combine to illustrate the kind of start the Bearcats have had. This doesn’t mean there weren’t some glitches along the way necessitating some adjustments. That comes with the territory.

Thursday, in Halifax, the club experienced a penalty-filled matchup with the Lions. Flow from both squads was disrupted. It was perhaps Truro’s weakest game to date where their level of play fell well short of expectation. The Bearcats were assessed ten penalties and both Lions’ goals came on the powerplay. That’s not a good formula for road wins. The plan going into Saturday’s game against Yarmouth was to be more disciplined to avoid the sin bin. The team did just that and were able to roll four lines applying suffocating pressure on a tired Mariner contingent. The first period of that game was Truro’s most impressive of the young season. Bearcat speed and size were clearly evident. While all schemes and structures are not in place, it’s obvious the returning players know how the game is played. Their defence-first upbringing insured things were looked after in the Bearcat end of the rink. The pursuit of the puck in other zones insured the opposition really couldn’t get untracked. Working hard as a group pays off.

This weekend, the Bearcats are engaged in the Fourth Showcase. It’s that time of year when coaches and scouts congregate in one place to see all MJAHL teams play a pair of games. While the talents of many individual players may draw attention, there are games to be won or lost and teams must have that as a priority. For the Bearcats it will represent the team’s first overnight road trip. Bonding and chemistry go a long way in a long season. Friday, Truro faces Dieppe. The Commandoes, finalists in last year’s Fred Page Cup are a rebuilding club. Same goes for Saturday’s competition, the Campbellton Tigers. Their youngsters have been-full of surprises. In the MJAHL, there are no givens.

September 24, 2009

WEEKLY CHALLENGES

Good teams learn to win on the road. Over the years, the Truro Bearcats have done quite well in that department and are again off to a good start. Last week’s road win was convincing but not necessarily easy, nor without its challenges. The keys are to keep things simple, score early, get timely saves, then get out of town. Obstacles will surface and they must be dealt with.

In Miramichi, Truro scored shortly after the midpoint of the first minute of play. As if predictable, they had to deal with the intimidation card. That’s a lot to handle, especially with so many new faces in a new situation. The opposition’s best period was the first but the Bearcats survived it enroute to the win. The Timberwolves were bent on sending a message. The Bearcats received it and sent it right back. Truro chose not to be instigators but they clearly were willing participants. This does not go unnoticed by their peers, and by their followers. Blow-outs don’t always bring out the best, especially if it’s a home opener, in front of a big hometown crowd. Under such circumstances, it’s not always possible to roll four lines. For many reasons, coaches need to be more selective. Equally unfortunate was the opportunity to showcase the MJAHL via Rogers TV. This was the first of seventeen games to be broadcast by that network in New Brunswick. If a survey was taken based on that game, it would be interesting to see the results.

This week the Bearcats become a bit busier. Tonight they’re in Halifax for a 7:30 game against the Lions and they’re hosting Yarmouth on Saturday. The Lions are a young club and their record to date is not indicative of the talent they possess. The second year Lions took it on the chin last year as they built for the future and, on paper, should be ready to make some statements this winter.

Yarmouth is another young club in rebuilding mode. They came into this week with three wins in as many games. The Mariners will arrive in town as a tired one, with games at home against Amherst tonight and Friday. Rivals, however, manage to rise to this occasion. The Bearcats are expecting the best the Lions and Mariners can offer.

September 17, 2009

HIT THE ROAD

The sooner a team gets its first victory the better. Trouble is, only half the teams accomplish that mission in their opening game of a season. The Bearcats are now off and running. Saturday was a full evening, with plenty to see and comprehend, but the consensus was the Bearcats looked good in the revamped Stadium even before the game started.

One win doesn’t make a season but there were plenty of positives coming out of the Bearcat start to this season. The rookies and acquisitions in the lineup looked at home and appeared ready to compete. Getting that group involved in scoring early was a good thing. The special teams were given ample opportunity to do their thing. The reaction and response were sound. The leadership desired from the veteran component of the team was very much evident. This can’t be taught. Goaltending provided the support needed. Early confident in this position goes a long way.

The rearguards provided the defensive zone coverage anticipated, then contributed significantly on the offensive side. That’s a lot to write home about, especially when all the structures are far from being in place. Along with the positives came a few lessons: First, it takes a full sixty minutes to win in this league. Second, it takes a full bench commited physically and mentally to play Bearcat hockey.

This weekend the Bearcats take their show on the road with a visit to Miramichi. The Timberwolves finished third overall in the league last year, just three points behind the Bearcats and five behind Summerside. There are plenty of new faces there, but traditionally, it’s a franchise which plays very tough at home. With three road games under their belt the Timberwolves host the Bearcats in the tenth Timberwolf home opener. Wow. This will be a test for the Bearcats when this edition has its first out-of-town game. Then again, this is the type of challenge a team needs sooner, rather than later.

September 10, 2009

GET IT ON

The forty-third MJAHL season gets underway on two fronts tonight. For openers, the Pictou County Weeks Crushers host the Campbellton Tigers, while the Miramichi Timberwolves are in Dieppe Commando territory. For the rest, there’s a little more time for decision makers before the 2009 training camps become history.

The Truro Bearcat coaching staff has been pleased with what transpired over the last twelve days. By the very nature of this camp, younger players had a much better chance to show their strengths. There were, in fact, fewer decisions to be made. Commitments made were honoured and to date there have been few disappointments.

Thirteen returnees with character create a strong core. Already the blend of age and experience has team chemistry going in the right direction. Management is content to start the year. Response to live fire will guide the club in the direction it must proceed. There’s no question the puzzle can’t be totally put together at this time. It’s important to see if all the pieces are in the box.

Truro’s home opener is set to go Saturday, 7:30, at the Colchester Legion Stadium. The Pictou County Weeks Crushers will undoubtedly show-up to spoil the Bearcat festivities. That’s to be expected. The Crushers are traditionally a blue collar team which plays all sixty minutes. No team last year got more mileage out of their goals than did the Crushers. This is a rivalry between neighbouring counties that can be traced back to the first quarter of the last century. Fortunately, for fans, it never disappears.

September 3, 2009

SHOW TIME

Without exception, every MJAHL coach and general manager is optimistic about the season in front of them.

At this stage, every acquisition via trade, draft or invitation is a good one. Once the wait-to-see game is over, the truth will hit the fan.

Count the Bearcats among those who have experienced a feel-good opening to Training Camp. Whether by design or chance, lower numbers and fewer exhibition games have combined to make this camp different. Both have become positives.

With less than thirty players on hand, all had ample opportunity to strut their stuff in all the situations arranged by the coaching staff. At the beginning of the week there were no cuts; however, some have elected to leave on their own and one trade was completed.

Exhibition games arranged with, but cancelled by the Halifax Lions, have given staff more time to spend with the players in controlled scenarios. The bottom line had the staff spend less time on evaluation and more on preparation. That’s a good thing.

The Bearcat strength over the years has been the depth of the defensive corps. The team has been built around that position. Right now there are six solid rearguards with experience in this league. It’s as strong as it’s been in the last eight years.

Right now there are three goalies in camp, two of whom have experience in this league. That constitutes depth as well. Up front there are plenty of young forwards with talent and a crop of returnees whose game may have been raised.

What the team needs will depend upon the performance of those currently with the team. Sometimes you have what you need. Tonight the Bearcats will come close to firing real bullets when they venture to New Glasgow for a 7:30 exhibition match with the Crushers.

Saturday, the Crushers visit for a 7:30 game at the revamped Colchester Legion Stadium.