It’s season #60 for the MHL and #30 for the Bearcats, since returning to the Junior ranks in 1997. Both have plenty to celebrate.
The Bearcats, defending MHL Champions, have a busy weekend in store, hosting the West Kent Steamers, Friday, at the Home Opener, then hosting the Summerside Capitals Saturday. There may be a Banner hanging as well.
The Steamers have been perennial contenders in the Eastlink North Division since 2023, when the former South Shore Lumberjacks relocated in Bouctouche.
The Summerside Capitals, a League member since 1991, have been MHL Champions five times. The Bearcats equaled that number, defeating the Capitals in seven games in the Divisional Finals last year, then knocking off Edmundston in five games.
The Bearcats have a strong returning nucleus. In that group are Callum Aucoin, Antoine Fontaine, Eric Halliday and Tristan St. Gelais as returning twenty-year-olds. Also in that age group are acquisitions Matthew Vohra and James Martin.
Aucoin, a Hammonds Plains native, is in his second Bearcat season. After two productive U18 seasons with the Halifax McDonalds he moved on to the QMJHL with Cape Breton. Following a full season with the Eagles, he split the 2024-2025 season between Cape Breton and Halifax. As a Bearcat last year, he put up strong regular season numbers, 27 goals and 19 assists, third in team stats and returns as the top scoring forward. His post-season stats consisting of 11 goals and 4 assists had much to do with team success. He was a 2022 Draft pick by Truro and Cape Breton.
The Bearcats acquired the rights to James Martin on September 4th from Miramichi. The Halifax native brings size and physicality to the club. In the 2024-2025 season he suited up with the Mount Academy U18 squad. Last year, he split the season between Summerside and Miramichi. He picked up 84 Penalty minutes over 30 regular season games.
Next week, the Bearcats hit the road with games on September 17 in Pictou County, and September 18 in Yarmouth. Truro’s next home game is set for Sunday September 27 against the Crushers (4:00 pm start).