The Truro Bearcats did exactly what they needed to do following the devastating loss
to open the playoffs.
They put that game behind them and moved on.
In the three games last week, the Bearcats pushed back, played hard, got some good bounces and let it be known there was no quit.
Tuesday’s (March 18) game, in many ways, was a must-win game. The Bearcats and Ramblers traded goals over the first two periods, but it was Truro which won the third period decisively, outscoring the Rambers 4-1 to take the 8-5 win.
Clearly the Bearcats got the attention of the Ramblers, and all others who saw the game. The point was clear, this series just began.
Friday (March 21), in Amherst, the hometown Ramblers took a 3-1 lead into the final period. Once again, the Bearcats won third, scoring two to force OT.
It was a battle, eventually won by Amherst by virtue of a deflected shot. That one could have gone either way.
At the RECC on Saturday, the Bearcats got out of the gate quickly, spending much of the time in Amherst’s end, coming out with a two-goal lead.
For the following two periods, the Ramblers were on fire, outshooting Truro 41-12 over that span and tying things up; however, it was Truro which created a late game opportunity and cashed in for the 4-3 win.
So, after the first four games of this series, things stand at two games apiece with Game Five scheduled for Amherst on Monday (March 24) and Game Six at the RECC Thursday (March 27). Game Seven, if necessary, is scheduled to be played in Amherst on Saturday, March 29.
Both communities are fully engaged and appreciative of the efforts of their teams. Both teams have stuck to playing the games within
Antigonish, NS
5’10”, 187 lbs
20, Goalie
the rules. The elements of a good playoff round between two old rivals is very much in play.
In the other Eastlink South matchup, the Pictou County Crushers eliminated the Summerside Capitals in five games. Hats off to the Crushers, who now can sit back and watch the Bearcats and Ramblers exhaust each other.
Hats off to the Bearcats recognized this week by the MHL: Jack Milner was named First Team All-Star Goalie, and Tristan St. Gelais was named to the MHL Rookie Team.
Bearcat-of-the-Week honours went to Jack Milner, whose job it was to give his team a chance to win. Over the three games this week, he turned aside 126 of 138 shots directed his way, picking up a pair of wins. Team play starts in the crease and spreads outward.