January’s schedule is a full one for the Truro Bearcats, with eleven games slated.
The Bearcat – Crusher matchup on January 2nd was their eighth and final regular season meeting. Each has won four. Over those meetings the Bearcats outscored the Crushers 31-30 – evenly matched, or what?
The Crushers took a three-goal lead into the final period but the Bearcats battled back closing the gap before falling 5-4.
The West Kent Steamer – Bearcat game was great to watch. The North Division’s second place team, third overall in the MHL, played fast hockey and appeared to give Truro more than it could handle.
As it turned out, the Steamers opening period goal was all they would get. From this corner, the Bearcats willed themselves the win.
In the second period, the Bearcats outplayed their visitors to tie things up, then battled head-to-head to the finish.
Truro scored midway through the third to take the lead, then banked it with an empty netter.
The Bearcats were short-staffed both games. Over the Christmas Break, one player left the program, another was on the Injured List, while a third, as a QMJHL call-up, has been excelling at that level.
When the Trade Freeze ended on January 2nd, several teams got very busy making significant roster moves. There’s no question the Bearcats need some additions, and they have room. Management is holding cards close to the chest as the Trade Deadline approaches on January 10 – stay tuned.
This week, the Bearcats prepare for a pair of games. First up is the home game against the Grand Falls Rapids on Friday, January 10.
This is the season’s first meeting of these clubs. They have a return match scheduled in Grand Falls on January 19.
Saturday the Bearcats are off to Amherst to meet the Ramblers for the fifth time. To date each has a pair of wins.
Amherst is scheduled to be back in Truro on Wednesday, January 15.
Halifax, NS
5’8”, 175 lbs.
19, Forward
Bearcat-of-the-Week honours went to Liam Welsh. In the Bearcat-Crusher game, he lead Truro with three goals, his first Junior hat trick. Saturday, he assisted on Julien Roy’s winning goal, then sealed the victory with the empty net insurance tally. The third-year junior is currently second in team scoring with 10 goals and 13 assists