By Gerry Hale
Nov 22, 2019
Finally, the Truro Bearcats came out of a Shootout on the positive side.
It’s been a while since Bearcat supporters heard that. This was the fifth Shootout for Truro, losers of the first four.
So, it’s fair to say those extra session affairs have been unkind, the drought hard to end.
Friday, the Bearcats played just well enough to earn the victory. It did require a late game goal to get the chance to play beyond regulation time.
Truro got great goaltending, as did the Timberwolves. Combined, the two goalies turned aside 80 of 82 shots directed their way.
The Bearcat powerplay is a work in progress. Stats show it’s currently operating at the lowest percentage in the MHL.
It’s not how many powerplay goals you get, it’s when. Truro got a big one that game.
The other special team did its job as well nullified in their powerplay opportunities.
The Bearcats enter this fifth in their Division, in striking distance of spots higher. Over the last six games the team recorded a 4 – 1 – 1 record.
It’s been a positive month and the team is moving in the right direction. Those early season extra – session losses put them in a hole, but, it’s obvious they’re determined to crawl out of it.
This week, the Bearcats are off to New Brunswick to face the Edmundston Blizzard on Saturday, then meet the Rapids in Grand Falls Sunday.
The trip and the competition make for a challenging weekend. Nobody ever said it would be easy.
The Blizzard are second in the Eastlink North Division. They have been competitive since they inherited the franchise in 2017 from Dieppe.
The Rapids are in their second season since the Woodstock franchise went to Grand Falls. Their stats measure up closely to Truro’s.
Once passed this weekend. The Bearcats have six games remaining leading into the Christmas Break, all but one at home. Couldn’t come at a better time.
Keep in mind the Teddy Bear Toss scheduled for Saturday, November 30th .