All players desire to win their last game. If they don’t, it can mean the season is over.
The Bearcats entered last week two games down in their Eastlink South Divisional Finals. By mid-week the series was over and the Crushers moved on.
In the April 7 game at the RECC, the Pictou County Crushers scored in each period while the Bearcats were unable to respond.
The Bearcats kept to their game, but just three shots in the final period was telling. Things certainly didn’t look positive going into Game 4 in Pictou County on Wednesday.
That game was the Bearcats best of the series. The determination to stay alive was clear. They dug deep but were just unable to get it done in the 2-1 loss to conclude the series.
It wasn’t the series outcome they wanted but credit goes their way for being there. Back in September, few in the league would have seen them in the Divisional Final. It was a tribute to their growth as a team.
Truro started the season with just a handful of returnees. Going 1-9 to mid-October wasn’t something to write home about.
From that point on they were one of the hottest teams in the MHL, finishing third in their Division, sixth overall. It was impressive.
Credit the coaching staff of Jon Greenwood, Ryan Porter and Ryan Falkenham for preparing a script, getting all players on script believing they were moving in the right direction. It was a pleasure to witness.
Sizeable roster additions at the Trade Deadline made the Bearcats a stronger more mature team. They meshed quickly.
The Bearcat-Amherst series was eye opening. After a disastrous start, the Bearcats settled into their playoff identity of no quit play to take it in six, winning the final three for good measure.
The Bearcat-Pictou County series never really became a series. Both clubs got to the finals with strong goaltending and timely scoring. At the end of the day the Crushers had the upper hand.
The Bearcats closed their season with a banquet on Saturday. There were no hanging heads.
The seven graduates spoke nothing but positives. They leave knowing the fifteen eligible returnees have gone through a learning process which should have them itching to get back at it.
The Metalfab MHL Cup
Levis, QC
5’11”, 180 lbs.
20, Forward
Finals get underway Friday (April 18) in Edmundston, with Game 2 set for Saturday. Games 3 and 4 are scheduled for Wednesday (23rd) and Thursday (24th) in New Glasgow. Games 5, 6, 7 if necessary are scheduled for April 26 (Edmundston), April 28 (New Glasgow) and April 30 (Edmundston). The winner advances to the Centennial Cup in Calgary, beginning May 8th.
Bearcat-of-the-Year goes to Captain, Zachary Marquis. He was the recipient of the Will Sutherland Scholarship for a graduating player moving on to University Hockey. He was also the recipient of the MacQuarrie’s Three Star Award (25th year of the award).