The first week of Training Camp is over and it’s been a full and positive one.
It was capped off with a pair of exhibition wins against the Divisional rival Valley Wildcats.
Both games gave prospects the opportunity to display their skill, desire and compete level in
tight games, one of which included OT and a Shootout.
Bearcat Management was able to observe twenty-seven players in action in a competitive
situation, at home and on the road. Fans enjoyed the action as well.
With the start of school this week, the need to reduce numbers began in earnest. Many of the
younger prospects, some of whom came for the experience, have moved on to their U-18 teams.
Remaining are the tough choices, and those being added. The process of producing a season
starting roster remains an ongoing one.
Late last week saw the return of 2021 draft pick, Kevin Walker (19), an Antigonish native
who spent his rookie year as a Bearcat, then last year with the Charlottetown Islanders.
Further experience was added, as well, with the return of Liam Welsh (19) from the
Mooseheads. The Halifax native split last year between Halifax and Truro.
Luke McPhee (19), a Cole Harbour native, spent a season with the Moncton Wildcats, and
last year between the Cape Breton Eagles and Mooseheads, arrived as well.
The team will get it’s first look at twenty year-olds, Philippe Fauchon (Levis, QC) and Owen
Sparkes (Bay Roberts, NL) this week.
Fauchon, a defenceman, spent three seasons with the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada, while
Sparkes suited up last year with the Amherst Ramblers.
There’s been plenty of movement, but the Bearcat General Manager remains on the lookout.
This week, the Bearcats have 4:00 pm practices scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday,
along with two exhibition games with the Ramblers, Friday, September 6, at the RECC, then the
next night in Amherst.
Trois Rivieres, QC
6’3”, 190 lbs
18, Goalie
The opening of regular season play is just around the corner.
– Bearcat -of-the-Week honours go to sophomore goalie, Alexis Cournoyer, who backstopped
the team to the win on Friday, turning aside 33 of 34 shots directed his way. He joined the
Bearcats last January from the College Lafleche Dragons (QCHL). He posted a 3.04 GAA
in 13 Bearcat games last year.