Banter
January 5, 2012
THE STRETCH DRIVE BEGINS
It's an old saying and it goes like this – if "ifs" and "buts" were "candy" and "nuts," everyone would have a good Christmas. If the regular season ended in December, the Truro Bearcats would have finished in fifth place, facing a mini-series against the Pictou County Crushers who had beaten them in three of four meetings this season. That wouldn't be considered a good scenario, but, it isn't the case at all. The Bearcats, in fact, have twenty games remaining. The Bearcats don't feel they're a fifth place team. Most teams ahead of them would agree and realize Truro won't accept that placement willingly down the stretch. Truro has games in hand over Yarmouth and Metro, so the opportunity exists to rise up in the standings and improve its posture for the post season. It started with a good win in Bridgewater, Tuesday.
If the Bearcats were in the Meek Division, they would have been tied for second with the Summerside Capitals at the break. But, they're in the Bent Division where their fifteen wins (four fewer than the league-leading Ramblers) placed them well down the pecking order. The Bent Division has been tight since the puck dropped to start this season. A real good weekend, or a poor one, could reshuffle the deck significantly. For the Bearcats, the single biggest concern has been team consistency. Without it, the team has been on a climb or a slide over the first thirty some games. The step forward – step backward game won't produce the results the team could generate in the stretch drive.
Truro, like all other MJHL teams, must make some decisions by January 10. That's the date the die is cast. This time last year, the league witnessed some major wheeling, dealing, loaning and swaps. Observers will be watching closely to see which teams are buying and which are selling.
It's an interesting time of year. This weekend, the Bearcats will host a double header featuring the Summerside Capitals on Saturday and the Amherst Ramblers, Sunday. The Capitals have been very much like the Bearcats, hot one night, not the next. They have welcomed the return of some major junior players, but they have lost some as well. Regardless, the Capitals always come to play. Fans should expect a spirited contest.
Sunday, the Ramblers bring their potent offence to the stadium. They really have reduced their goals-against over the year but it's their talented forwards who, left untouched, can light it up quickly. This is a pair of must see games. The Bearcats are about to make a move.
December 23, 2011
TIME TO REFLECT
How do you know when a skid is finished? Perhaps, the answer came last Saturday when the Truro Bearcats hammered the cellar-dwelling Bridgewater Lumberjacks. It was a losing streak which started, oddly enough, following Truro's flawless performance against the country's top junior A team, the Woodstock Slammers. In that game, the Bearcats played much of the game in Woodstock's half of the ice. When the Slammers entered Truro territory, they were physically redirected. The Bearcats had in front of them five games against Divisional rivals before the Christmas Break and the opportunity to solidify an upper rung on the Bent ladder. It didn't materialize. At the end of the day, the team picked up a point in a shootout loss to Amherst, and two points Saturday. That meant eight points went to the rivals, all of whom remain ahead of them in the standings.
In some games, the offence scored more goals than needed most nights to secure a win. Unfortunately, on those nights the team had major difficulties keeping the puck out their own net. Other nights, the goaltending was sufficient but the scorers couldn't buy a goal, especially with the man advantage. Nobody was more anxious about the situation than the players themselves. Saturday's win, though, sent the troops home on a much more positive note.
A week of home cooking and time away from the grind should be a good tonic. When the Bearcats return next Tuesday, they will have a clear view of what lies ahead. In the forty-plus years of their league, many observers refer to post-Christmas play as the next season which in turn, leads to the real season (playoffs). This Bearcat group is a capable one when each individual is on the same page. When that happens, good things result. A good dose of confidence early in January should serve their progress well. The Bent Division is tight, but in the time remaining, there's plenty that can be accomplished, one game at a time.
For the remainder of regular season play, the players must play hard, settle for nothing less and have some fun doing it. The Bearcat players and management wish a happy and safe Christmas season to all.
December 15, 2011
INCONSISTENCY IS COSTLY
No matter how you look at it, the Truro Bearcats squandered an opportunity to move up in the standings. Two losses last week to Divisional rivals snuffed out that chance at an important juncture of the season.
In Amherst, last Thursday, the Bearcats held a two goal-lead going into the final period. They just weren't able to hold it. Once the Rambler comeback was underway, the Bearcats were on their heels and unable to seal the deal. The Bearcat effort was good and they played well enough to win but the shootout went the other way. They accepted the verdict, took the point and moved on. Sometimes the other team just wins.
Saturday, at home. The Bearcats score four goals against the visiting Pictou County Crushers. Most nights, that would be enough for a win. Unfortunately, Pictou County hung around longer and capitalized on their opportunities and came away worthy victors. The Crushers were actually playing in their third game in three nights and the Bearcats failed to make life hard enough on them. There's no excuse for that. Your best players have to be your best players. Saturday, the rookies and the foot soldiers were Truro's best. That might suggest why an off-ice session was held 8:00 am Sunday morning. That means not all people were happy.
Coming into this week, the Bearcats had games scheduled against Yarmouth, Metro and Bridgewater – all divisional rivals. The Mariners and Marauders are both ahead of Truro, so there is some ground which can be gained with good efforts. Yarmouth went into last night's game with three wins against Truro. That explains some of the reasons the Mariners are where they are in the Bent.
Friday, Truro is in Dartmouth to face the Marauders. They face a team they've handled easily this year, but the Marauders are determined to alter that trend.
Saturday, in Truro's last game before Christmas, the Bearcats host the Bridgewater Lumberjacks. The cellar dwellers are where they are for a reason; however, Truro would be well advised not to look beyond that game. The win over Woodstock two weeks ago clearly showed what this Bearcat team can do. Inconsistency, though, has been a problem. Here's hoping this week's outcomes are good. With a Break pending, it provides off-time to ponder what's best for the team as the season progresses.
December 8, 2011
GIANT STEP FORWARD
In the hockey world, it would be considered a unique weekend. The Truro Bearcats had the opportunity to see both sides of a shutout. There's little doubt which view the team would prefer. Last Friday, the Bearcats spent the day traveling south to Yarmouth, only to be the second best team on the ice. That's disappointing. Even with two wins over the Bearcats, the hometown Mariners were the hungrier team and clearly ready to play. The Mariners capitalized on some early game Bearcat miscommunication. From that point on they had Truro on its heels. The score in the loss flattered Bearcat play, except for Truro's goaltending which really prevented the game from being a blowout.
Every ingredient of Bearcat hockey which was missing on Friday had been returned for the matchup with Woodstock. The Slammers are the best team in the Country and to beat the best, you have to play your best. Truro did just that. There's a target on the back of the Slammers each night they play. They have grown to accept that and still find a way to come out winners most nights.
Not Saturday, though, Truro played Bearcat hockey, minimized their mistakes and received timely goals and solid goaltending. That is a good recipe which should be cooked up night after night if the Bearcats are to win. In junior-age hockey, that's often easier said than done.
Saturday's game marked the mid point of the Bearcat regular season schedule, therefore, it's time for the mid-term report. Goal –there were hiccups along the way but the goaltending is coming together at the right time. Defence – the most potential in defensive zone since 2007; if working as a group, none better in the league. Offence – challenged and must stick with basics; physical forecheck employed to play in other team's end route to success. Special teams – penalty kill is strong; power play poor and considered the area in greatest need of improvement. Being aware of shortcomings is a good thing. So, too, is playing to your strengths.
Tonight, the Bearcats hit the road to face the Amherst Ramblers. The last time these two met, Truro embarrassed the Ramblers, clearly winning all facets of the game. Amherst will look to answer that. This should be a heated matchup, for many reasons now.
Saturday, the Pictou County Weeks Crushers, winners of two of three meetings with Truro, are in town for a 7:30 game. In previous meetings, Truro has played the Crushers soft. They won't this time. Next Wednesday, the Yarmouth Mariners will be in town for a make-up game. It's time the Bearcats return to winning ways against that rival. Expect the best in these Divisional head-to-head matchups.
December 1, 2011
HEAVY GOING
It's simple. Win your game and your standings improve. That's the bottom line, and it doesn't matter if it's an ugly victory or one well constructed from the outset. The Truro Bearcats moved forward with two wins last weekend. It's even more significant when the positive verdicts come at the expense of divisional rivals.
Last Friday, the Bearcats traveled to an unfamiliar venue to face the Metro Marauders. At the end of the day, most observers would agree the Marauders were the better team in the context except for the fact the Bearcat goalie was the best player on the ice. Getting big saves when needed, the Bearcats basically hung around, took advantage of a good goalie and came home with a road win. The win wasn't pretty but the two points can disguise the product on the ice. The Bearcat goal-against average has been higher than usual this season. This game may well have been a boost to the entire team as it moves toward the mid-point of the season.
Saturday, at home against the Bridgewater Lumberjacks, goaltending in the early going gave the skaters the opportunity to get untracked. The Bearcats took control and maintained dominance to the game's end. Truro clearly seemed to have Bridgewater's number in the offensive zone. For the first time in weeks, Truro's powerplay showed more than a feint pulse. Good puck movement made it work.
Today's a big day for Junior "A" hockey teams right across the country. On December 1, teams must focus their attention on the precious twenty-five player cards. Truro came into this week with twenty-one carded players and four open cards. That's a good thing. Open cards allow teams to make some moves and to protect against injury. They're a valuable commodity. The next big decision day comes on January 10 when rosters become set for twenty-three carded players.
In the meantime, the Bearcats have a big weekend ahead of them. Tomorrow night, Truro is off to Yarmouth to face the pesky Mariners. Yarmouth won the first two meetings, both by a one goal margin. That club plays tight in front of good goaltending. Saturday, the Bearcats host the country's top ranked Junior "A" team. The Woodstock Slammers hit a couple of speed bumps recently, exposing a taste of vulnerability. Both games will demand the best the Bearcats can muster and thwir opposition should expect it.
November 24, 2011
GET BACK ON TRACK
Most nights that effort may well have produced a victory. For sure, the Truro Bearcats played like they wanted to win. They did most of the little things right and basically competed each period. Unfortunately, they faced a team which capitalized on an important ingredient of sport – mistakes. While mistakes are part of the game, they don't always cost you. Against a team like the Woodstock Slammers you pay dearly. Mistakes can provide an easier route to scoring goals, like being rewarded for something you didn't earn. Penalties in the offensive zone can do that, while reducing the opportunity to play five-on-five hockey.
The Slammers, who suffered a shootout loss to Summerside last Sunday, can beat you in many ways. Mistakes make it easier for them to accomplish their goals. Truro came away with several positives which will help them down the road. The penalty-kill was excellent, and shots-against was impressive. The powerplay, which was zero-for-eight, didn't produce, but it looked better. This continues to be a work in progress. A quick look at the Bent Division Standings clearly indicates all teams are still in the running. Coming into this week, two points separated fifth from second, and four teams were in that mix. Truro's record over the last ten games is the best in the Bent, but their standing still dropped. Things are that tight. The line between winning and losing is a fine one. For three weeks, Truro was on the good side. Losses in the last two outings put them over to the other side, even with solid efforts in both games. This week, the Bearcats have the chance to get back on the winning track with two Divisional games.
First up is a game tomorrow in Sackville (NS) against the Metro Marauders, a team possessing the league's top scorer and three players in the top ten. Metor's bread and butter is its transitional game through the neutral zone. Truro, playing Bearcat hockey, has been able to render it a negative. Saturday, the Bearcats are home to play the Bridgewater Lumberjacks. They're a younger team now, obviously looking to the future. Teams caught looking at the Lumberjacks' record have been victimized by some hungry players led by the league's second highest scorer. It goes without saying, teams have to bring their best, then anything can happen. That goes for the Bearcats, as well.
November 17, 2011
HICCUPS HAPPEN
For three weeks, the Truro Bearcats were moving straight ahead. In Campbellton, the Tigers forced a detour, not a major one, but enough to end a six game win streak strung together by the Bearcats. Records do not give a clear indication of the strength of the young Campbellton team. They've shown an ability, by times, of creating a scoring frenzy equal to any in the League. In this particular game, the Bearcats didn't play poorly, they just couldn't find a way to pull off a victory, no matter how hard they tried in the final period. The Tigers deserve credit for playing a solid game, and winning a close game against good competition.
The Bearcats were able to bounce back in Miramichi where they found their game and went with what worked in the past. They held the Timberwoves to a low shot count, limiting the chances and dominating the physical game. Sometimes a team can play just well enough to lose. That depicts Truro's effort against the visiting Yarmouth Mariners last Saturday. Truro's powerplay was dismal, the winning goal was off an ugly turnover and the team, generally, didn't take care of the puck. The Bearcats did muster up some energy in the final period but couldn't convert on any of the ample opportunities that came their way. That game was Truro's sixth in a ten-day span. Perhaps the tank was a bit empty but a schedule can't be used as an excuse.
Unfortunately, Truro lost an offensive sparkplug when the Quebec Major Junior League came calling. That's a hazard of a development league. It's untimely, but that's the way things happen at the junior level. It's been a while since Truro has had the opportunity to focus on a one game weekend. The opponent is the Woodstock Slammers, the class of the League. Again this week, the Slammers have been named the top team in the Country at the Junior A level. Twenty wins in as many starts can be very rewarding. Truro – Woodstock games are usually intense. They come as a confident team ready to play, and losing is not an option. Perhaps, the Bearcats have them right where they want them with upset on their minds. Fans can be promised to see the best each has to offer.
November 10, 2011
PEDAL TO THE METAL
The number of teams in front of them has dwindled to one. The Truro Bearcat output over the last three weeks has vaulted them to a great position. During that stretch the team garnered fifteen of the possible sixteen points available to them. Noticeable improvement has been obvious in a number of areas. First, the Bearcat powerplay has shown life. The players involved are making it work. Second, the Bearcat penaltykill has been staunch. Had that not been the case in a couple recent games, the outcome may well have been different. Third, the Bearcat identity is being imprinted on all players. Most clubs depend upon speed and transition. Truro's game is to dump, chase and play hard down low. Finally, players enjoy winning more than losing. Body language speaks volumes.
Last Thursday, in Dieppe, Truro took half the game to get on track. Once the pounding game was restored, the Bearcats overcame a three goal deficit. A comeback win is a character win. The shootout victory was part of the dramatics.
Saturday, at home against the same Dieppe Commandos, the Bearcats went to work quickly, never giving the opponent the opportunity to feel comfortable. A new look on the Truro powerplay, and arriving at the puck first all night, were more than the Commandos could handle. Fans waited a ling time to get a look at the Bent--leading Amherst Ramblers. It had to be a test for a team which has been in passing mode for the past three weeks. The Bearcat game plan was to get the puck in deep and win the race. It worked. Truro's physical domination throughout the game could be nothing but a disappointment to the Ramblers bench and the fans that made the trip. Truro also wanted to control emotions and not be drawn into any extra-curricular activity which would detract from its mission.
Tonight, the Bearcats are in Campbellton to complete the New Brunswick tour. The Tigers need a confidence builder but Truro isn't likely to cooperate. Saturday, Paul Henderson will drop the puck to start the Bearcat—Yarmouth Mariner game. The Mariners are a solid team with one of the league's top goalies. Their game is to keep scores low then pull out a win. This is a rivalry worth watching.
November 3, 2011
FULL STEAM AHEAD
The Truro Bearcats needed another feel good weekend. They got it in grand style, picking up three wins. Combine the last two weekends and the Bearcats took nine of the possible ten points available. They also removed some doubt, whether self-imposed or directed from outside sources, about their ability to score and their willingness to keep the puck out of their own net.
The most recent outburst kicked off in Bridgewater last Friday. Truro had a great start, snoozed a bit in the second period but settled down to find a way to win. The Lumberjacks are in a bit of disarray at the moment as they seek to stabilize their operation and gain confidence on the ice. They have to deal with their problems quickly.
Saturday, at home against Metro, the Bearcats needed minutes to adjust to the game the Marauders brought to the rink. The visitors' speed, puck control and overall transition gave Truro fits well into the opening period. Once Truro established their physical game, the Marauders ditched the transition and replaced it with the dumping out game. Some spectacular Bearcat goals paved the way for a big, emotional win over a Bent rival.
Sunday, Truro got out of the gate quickly, rolled four lines and generally dominated the game. Truro's physical play once again took its toll on the opposition and its willingness to compete. The outcome became obvious early. By now, Bearcat players should realize the importance of the physical component of their play. It permitted the team to pull into range of those ahead of them. The team is in the second quarter of their schedule, gaining confidence and generally moving in the right direction.
Tonight, the Bearcats are off to Dieppe to face the Meek's third placed team. The Commandos, with fourteen returnees, are skilled, experienced but still young. The Commandos are in Truro Saturday, so the familiarization process will be accelerated. The home and home match-up should prove interesting.
Sunday, the Bent leaders make their first visit of the season. The veteran laden Amherst Ramblers will be out to discourage the Bearcats on Truro turf in what should be a must-see game.
Next Wednesday, the Bearcats are off to Campbellton to meet the Tigers as part of the Northern New Brunswick tour. The action just seems to be non-stop.
October 27, 2011
Stay the Course
The fragile Bearcat psyche needed a boost. It came in the form of a three point weekend when good, old-fashioned effort was rewarded. The Bearcats were back on track and heading in the right direction. The crucial matchup, last Saturday, featured the Campbellton Tigers and the Bearcats, bottom feeders in their respective Divisions. No team in the league needed a win more than those two. It was a strange game. The Bearcats dominated the first and third periods while the Tigers clearly had Truro on its heels scoring four goals in nine minutes in the middle frame. The outcome, doubtful for much of the game, became obvious when the visitors weren't enjoying the physical game. The Bearcats found a way to win. They re-established their game by offending the Tigers.
Sunday's game in Summerside was a good one. Not all teams come off the Island with anything to show for their efforts. The Capitals have grown in strength in the last few weeks, but they, like the Bearcats were hard pressed to find power play solutions. So, the Bearcats entered the week feeling a little better about themselves. The action clarified once again that they must stick to what works. Tomorrow, the Bearcats begin a three game weekend in Bridgewater. That's a venue which fits the Bearcat game. The object will be to impose their will on the Lumberjack squad which has its own set of problems and concerns.
Saturday, the Bearcats are home to the Metro Marauders who currently sit second in the Bent Division. Fans might remember the Marauders visit last month when they held a one goal lead at the end of the first period, only to be sent home due to dense fog and poor ice conditions. Expectations are high that this regularly scheduled game will be played in its entirety and it will be a good one.
Sunday, at home again, Truro hosts the Miramichi Timberwolves who won the only head-to-head matchup between the two this year. The Timberwolves have gone young and local this year with an eye on the future. There's lots of talent on the roster but they're in the process of finding their way. Three games in three nights is a full plate. All three opponents are quick and all like to beat you off the rush utilizing speed and puck movement. Truro's game is to take away those chances and grind out victories. Sounds like a plan.
October 20, 2011
ASCENT BEGINS
Statistics don't lie, but they don't always tell the whole story. Anyone who studies the current standings in the MJHL will see clearly the Bearcats are in some unfamiliar territory in a number of categories. For sure, October hasn't been generous to the Truro Bearcats. They managed just two wins in their six games played. While winning is always the bottom line, it doesn't always account for the kind of game played. Hockey is not always fair.
Last Friday, in Yarmouth, Truro played the way they wanted. They held a skating Mariner team to seventeen (17) shots and held a significant territorial edge. Truro's effort was a solid one, but the powerplay let them down. In this league, one goal doesn't get you many victories.
Saturday, at home against the Pictou County Crushers, the Bearcats played a strong first period but couldn't buy a break. When all was said and done, the Bearcat inability to capitalize on the chances cost them. While observers can analyze the details, the players are the ones who feel the pressure. There's no way this team is a sixth place team. Chemistry, work ethic and talent are all there. There are plenty of positives and that's where the focus must be. A little adversity can be a good thing, especially when it comes early. There's no shortage of confidence that this group can handle it.
The Bent Division, one through six, is going to be a tough one. The climb from the basement won't be easy but it is manageable and comes in one game increments. The ascent starts Saturday, at home, against the Campbellton Tigers. Prior to last season, the Tigers hadn't tasted post-season play for three years. They liked the flavour and want more. They are, however, a young team with plenty of offensive talent. It's taking time for it to come together and they, like the Bearcats, are on the bottom looking up. In the only meeting this year, the Bearcats shut out the Tigers in Campbellton.
Sunday, the Bearcats will be in Summerside to face the Capitals. Truro won at home in the only previous meeting this year. The Capitals have some major junior talent returning to their roster. They aren't the same team which won all the marbles last year, but they are always tough to play against, especially on the Island. Every season has its hills and valleys. Right now, the Bearcats are about to move upward.
October 13, 2011
Learn the Lesson, Then Move On
A successful hockey season builds upon the experience of each outing. Losing two of three games in a week may be considered a setback if nothing is gained from them. The Truro Bearcats did lose two but they came away with three coaching points:
First, thirty minutes of solid hockey will not allow you to win most games.
Second, if you don't score, you don't win.
Third, when the chips are down, good teams find a way to win.
In Amherst, last Thursday, the Bearcats opened the game and performed exactly the way they desired. They worked hard, got right on top of the Ramblers and established a well-earned two goal lead. Then the bottom fell out. Amherst scored six goals in just over six minutes in the second period. Basically the game was over. Truro did attempt to mount a comeback and showed the team wasn't prepared to fold up the tents, but the goals didn't come.
Friday, in Woodstock, the Slammers showed why they are the class of the league at this point in the season. Even though the two rivals had relatively the same number of chances, the Slammers were able to bury theirs. The Bearcats had plenty of opportunities with the man advantage, but the power play let them down big time. The difference in play was slight; however, where it matters most, the difference on the scoreboard was huge.
Saturday, at home against Summerside, the Bearcats were playing some catch-up hockey, but they got the needed goals. The Capitals realized the Bearcats were coming off two hard-nosed road games so they threw everything they had at the league weary home team. It wasn't enough.
This week, the Bearcats face two Divisional rivals, both of whom are ahead of them in the standing. First up is the game in Yarmouth Friday. This will be the first meeting of the two this year. The Mariners have a large crop of new faces to go along with some offensive returnees. Overall, they're pleased with their start. Saturday, the Bearcats host the Pictou County Weeks Crushers. A good crowd should be on hand to catch the action in this one. It's fair to say these teams are bitter rivals and there should be no hold barred in this contest.
October 6, 2011
Pressing on
Some might feel a weekend split in games played to constitute one step forward and one step back. They might be right, but the Truro Bearcats entered this week with a much more positive attitude than that.
In Campbellton, last Friday, the Bearcats played a textbook road game. They set the tone early and dominated from the get-go. When Truro executed its tenacious forecheck, limiting opposition chances, getting saves when needed and generally forcing their will, their opportunity for success was evident. The Tigers are a better club than they showed. They just got caught and couldn't muster up a plan to do anything about it.
Unfortunately, the team was unable to repeat the performance the next night in Miramichi. They couldn't buy a save and found themselves in a hole with a four goal deficit. Mistakes in all zones, most of an uncharacteristic nature, allowed the Timberwolves ample room for a blowout. A goaltending change sparked a comeback, which may well have been completed but the team ran out of time. Once the Bearcats kicked into gear, they made it a game and could very well have won it. The Timberwolves learned there is no such thing as a safe lead in junior hockey. Most would agree they were hanging on at game's end. This effort didn't get the Bearcats the two points they wanted. It did show, however, the team does have a burning desire to win.
The overall team attitude and willingness to compete bode well for the games ahead of them. There are no guarantees, but the goods are there. Tonight, the Bearcats hit the road for two games before returning to the Colchester Legion Stadium. These are the days that build character. First up is a trip to Amherst to face the Ramblers. Pre-season predictions picked that club to be in the upper echelon of the Bent, perhaps, of the league. They suffered their first loss of the season last weekend, so, coach Bottomly will be out to regain the winning ways and send a message to the Bearcats.
Friday, the Woodstock Slammers will host the Bearcats. Each of these teams is used as a measuring stick. Neither team will hold anything back. Saturday, the Bearcats are home to play the Summerside Capitals, defending Kent Cup champions. This is clearly a rebuilding year for Summerside, but never in the history of hockey, has an Island team been an easy team. The fun is just starting.
September 15, 2011
IT'S SHOWTIME
The gates open tonight to get the 45th year of Maritime Junior hockey underway. By Sunday evening, all eleven teams will have gotten their feet wet. Hopes remain high and only time will tell how things get sorted out.
Each team plays a 52-game schedule. Truro meets each of its Bent Division rivals six times while facing the Meek teams four times. An extra two games will be played against the Metro Marauders to get the required number. The Bearcats are happy with the schedule. Games are spread out well over the next six months leading up to March and the start of playoff runs. An added bonus is the fact most of the New Brunswick games will be out of the way by the end of November.
There's little doubt all teams are pleased to have the camps and exhibition encounters behind them. The Bearcats come out of the pre-season eager for the real thing. It's a close-knit group which has played hard, played together and is showing strong signs of playing smart. The goal is to get off to a good start by playing to their strengths – four lines, six defencemen and solid goaltending each night.
The competition will do their best to disrupt that equation. That's what makes the whole thing interesting. The Bearcats are in New Glasgow tonight to showcase the start of the new season. The Pictou County Crushers, league finalists the past two seasons, will be a younger team this year. They loaded up last season for the playoff run and came up a shade short. Graduates and future considerations, removed much of their experience. Like all Crusher teams, though, they will not be short on work ethic. If you don't give sixty minutes you reduce your chances of winning.
Saturday, the Bearcats host the CIBC Wood Gundy Lumberjacks in the Home Opener at the Colchester Legion Stadium. The fourth year Lumberjacks have been underachievers over their years in Bridgewater. Veteran-laden teams have not been able to get the job done. Developing a winning attitude is first priority for the new coaching staff and their solid crop of offensive returnees. It's a task requiring patience. Nuff said. It's time to play.