For the second time since returning to the junior ranks in 1997, the Truro Bearcats are off to the Centennial Cup, emblematic of the CJHL’s national crown.
The last time, in 2013, the Bearcats earned their way by hosting and winning the Fred Page Cup to be the Eastern Canada entry.
This time they go in as MHL Champions, one of nine League Champions throughout the country. These nine teams, along with the host Summerside Capitals, play a two-pool tournament from March 7 through to the championship game slated for Sunday, March 17.
The Bearcats had a great season; finishing tied in points with Summerside. Following a five-game series with the Pictou County Crushers, they advanced, according to many in the MHL as an underdog, against the Capitals, and then the Edmundston Blizzard in the MHL Finals. They surprised everyone but themselves.
When the season started, there were 116 teams in the CJHL. Now, there are ten, all winners and all basically unfamiliar with the others and each playing to their strength.
Last year, the Bearcats were a young team given the chance to grow their game. At the 2025 Trade Deadline, they were forced to add players, most of whom were eligible to return this season. By mid-November, the Bearcat team which won the championship was basically in place.
This is a team which grew together, played together and stayed together. They were well coached and stuck to the script, paid the price when they made mistakes, but never lost sight of their goals.
It doesn’t hurt to have a goaltending tandem allowing the fewest goals and earning the franchise’s eleventh Young-Knickle Goaltending award.
It didn’t hurt to have a few former defensemen return from the QMJHL to bolster a reliable defensive corps without a 20-year-old among them.
It didn’t hurt to have the best offensive players extend their scoring ways into the playoffs and have secondary input, whether in scoring or physicality.
This group meshed and succeeded. They will be like the other nine league winners.
What a great opportunity –make the most of it.
BEARCAT SCHEDULE
Friday May 8 7:30 – vs Greater Sudbury Cubs (NOJHL)
Sunday May 10 4:00 – vs College Longueuil (QJHL)
Monday May 11 7:30 – vs Toronto Patriots (OJHL)
Wednesday May 13 7:30 – vs Flin Flon Bombers (SJHL)