Everyone is pleased with how things have gone so far.
The process of putting teams together for workouts, practice and Intrasquad games is relatively easy, and always revealing, and sometimes surprising.
All campers had the opportunity to display their skill, desire and work ethic. Thirty-four had the chance to play in exhibition games.
The Bearcats came up short in their game in Berwick against the Valley Wildcats but rebounded Saturday to even things up at the RECC.
Those taking in the home game would have been impressed with the quickness and tenacity of many of the younger campers.
The returnees performed as expected, supporting the newcomers in a leadership role.
Entering the second week of camp means the numbers need to be reduced. With the season opener for the Bearcats set for Thursday, September 11, it’s necessary to do just that to get a starting roster in place.
The opening of school this week will see many being reassigned to their respective U-18 teams. They all had a positive experience.
Those left will be under the microscope for a pair of exhibition games this weekend. First up, the Bearcats host the Pictou County Crushers at the RECC on Friday, at 7:00 pm.
Monday (September 8), the Bearcats face the Amherst Ramblers in Sackville, at the Tantramar Veterans Civic Centre. That game starts at 6:00 pm.
Management looks to open the season with a twenty-two member roster (13 forwards, 7 defencemen and 2 goalies).
Competition for those spots is wide open. Decisions will only get more difficult.
That’s the way it should be.