It’s important to have all hands on deck.
When that’s not possible, the load gets increasingly more difficult to carry.
The Truro Junior Bearcats were in that very position to kick off the 2024-2025 campaign. When the dust settled they were in the short end of two verdicts.
Friday, in Bouctouche, they were basically a line short. To their credit they played a strong game, battling to the end.
Truro opened the scoring in the first period and held off the Steamers until a power play goal late in the third. With three seconds remaining on the clock, the Steamers score and win.
That was a tough loss but nothing can take away from the effort shown from all seventeen players dressed. Injury is part of all sports.
Saturday, the Bearcats hosted the Summerside Capitals, who were playing the first game of their schedule. You just knew that would be a huge challenge.
A couple of early turnovers in the defensive zone proved costly. The Capitals made the Bearcats pay.
Truro played a stronger second period and controlled a good portion of the play, setting the stage for the third period down two goals.
The leg weary Bearcats just ran out of gas. The Capital game was just two heavy and too fast by this time.
So, the Bearcats enter the week with two goalies, six defencemen and twelve forwards, with help on its way.
In that mix is one returning rearguard, four returning forwards. Getting the five rookies and acquisitions on the same page is the challenge. It’s a work in progress.
With a single game in store for the upcoming weekend, the team will have the opportunity to address concerns and heal up.
Saturday, the Bearcats host the Pictou County Crushers. Game time is 7:00 pm.
Like the Bearcats, the Crushers suffered a pair of losses in the opening week. This is an old rivalry and that’s basically all you need to know. Players on both sides will quickly learn the tradition that exists.
Levis, QC
5’11”, 185 lbs.
20, Forward
Congrats to Zach Marquis for being named Bearcat Captain for the current campaign. He brings a wealth of major junior experience to the team, having spent a season with the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies and a pair with the Quebec Remparts, including the 2022-2023 Memorial Cup Champions.