Bearcat Banter: Off to the races

There is nothing like a fresh start.

Well, the Truro Bearcats got just that when they opened post – Christmas play on the road, then backed it up with the first home win of the new year.

The team will admit they can still play better but there’s clearly nothing shabby about two wins in two starts to kick things off.

Any win on the road is a good one regardless of the score. At no time in the game were the Bearcats on their heels. That’s a good thing.

While the Bearcat compete level was top drawer, there were some little things needing some clean-up to reduce the goals – against.

South Shore is a tough team to play. They have won the two previous meetings, and all games were high scoring. There are no gimmies.

Saturday, against the St. Stephen Aces, the Bearcats had a strong start with sound execution. Penalties, however, disrupted the rhythm of the 5 – on – 5 play.

Both games required a full sixty minutes. That’s what the team needs.

The team is moving in the right direction. For sure, this is a group that needs to be on task one game at a time.

This week they prepare for a doubleheader at home, with Valley in town Friday, and Yarmouth at the RECC on Saturday.

The Wildcats are an ever changing team. Regardless, they always come to play. To date, the Bearcats have won three of the four previous meetings.

The Bearcats have yet to pick up a win against the Mariners. This would be a good time to rectify that.

The Mariners are experienced and deep in all positions. With that comes patience and maturity.

Both games are important to all concerned. Divisional play can bring out the best.

Today, rosters in the MHL are basically frozen for the remainder of the year. All teams can card twenty – three players.

The Bearcats are looking to get better but clearly not willing to sell the farm or future.

This is a good group of young players who really have not shown their true capabilities. Patience is a virtue.