The Truro Bearcats played two strong games over the weekend but had to settle for a split.
In Friday’s home game against Amherst, the Bearcats were flying from the get-go, scoring three beauties before the ten minute mark. The Ramblers replied once and that ended the scoring for the night. While the shots on net were basically even at game’s end, the Ramblers push back was tenacious in the third period. The thought of losing to the Bearcats a second time in two meetings proved to motivate the visitors. From a fans perspective, the game was entertaining and an indication that the next six head-to-head matchups proved to motivate the visitors.
Sunday, in Fredericton, the Red Wings scored two unanswered goals in the third period to take a 3-1 win, and even the record between the two.
The busiest player in that game would have to be Truro’s goalie who faced 43 shots. The last time these teams met, the busiest person was the
one who opened the penalty box gate. Truro’s penalty minutes over the weekend was much more respectful than the minutes picked up the previous week. That’s a good thing.
Truro’s goaltending tandem appears to be solidified with the signing of twenty year-old Connor Martin. The Calgary native brings solid experience to the position. He played both weekend games. He joins rookie, Jack Milner, an Antigonish native who posted a 5-1 record in his six starts, compiling an impressive 2.67 GAA. That’s a good thing.
Eastlink South standings have Yarmouth and Valley tied at the top. They constitute Truro’s next two opponents. Friday the Bearcats are in Yarmouth for their first meeting of the year against the Mariners. Pleasantries will likely be short-lived between these rivals. The Valley Wildcats will be at the RECC for a 7:00 pm start. The Wildcats hold a win in their only meeting against Truro. It’s time to even the score.
Bearcat of the Week honours went to rookie forward, Tully Grant. He picked up the winning tally in Friday’s game with a perfectly executed tip-in. He came up through the Nova Jr. X Men Major Bantam Program before spending the 2020-2021 season in Wilcox, SK, with the Notre Dame Hounds U16 and U18. Last year he had a strong offensive year with the Cape Breton West Islanders. He was a 2021 Fredericton and Rouyn- Noranda draft choice.