Training Camp hasn’t opened yet, but its clear things are shaping up well for the Truro
Bearcats. Every year, the Bearcats plan is to ice a competitive team, make the playoffs, then see what
happens. It’s still the plan.
When last year’s campaign ended, the Bearcats aged out seven players, leaving twelve
forwards, two defensemen and one goalie eligible to return.
That constitutes a solid nucleus, all part of a team which lost in the Divisional Finals and one
which might feel there’s some unfinished business.
There are obviously holes to be filled and pieces to be found. General Manager, Jamie
Barbour, now in his third season with the responsibility, has given the task his undivided
attention.
Prior to the U18 Draft in June, he engineered a trade with the West Kent Steamers,
acquiring the rights to forward, Brandon Abbass and defenseman, Jake Beardsmore, both
nineteen and both coming off strong rookie years with the South Shore Lumberjacks.
Kelsey Ouellet was traded to the Soo Thunderbirds (NOJHL) for the rights to defenseman,
Mason Chitaroni, a nineteen-year-old who played last year with the Acadie-Bathurst Titan.
Alexandre Nadeau, a twenty-year-old forward from Quebec, was signed from the
Victoriaville Tigres. The team acquired veteran goalie, Yacine Chemrouk, from the Lindsay Muskies (OJHL). The
twenty-year-old was the team’s MVP last year.
Zach Welsh, who spent his rookie season in Truro in 2019-2020, was acquired from the
Steamers. He will complete his junior eligibility where it started.
The defensive corps will see the return of nineteen-year-old Brady Stone. He split last year
between the Bearcats and the Cole Harbour Jr. B. Colts.
It appears the overall goal was to ice an experienced squad. This may explain why
management went young in the U18 draft.
It’s important to keep in mind the QMJHL Camps opened last week. A number of players on
Truro’s protected list are involved in these camps, including several current players.
It’s equally important to wish them the very best with their aspirations.
Bearcat Season tickets go on sale August 23, at the RECC. Prices: Adult $250.00,
Student/Senior/Military $210.00, Young (12 and under) $135.00, Family Pack (2 Adults + 2
Student/Youth) $700.00, Children 5 and under are free.
Training Camp opens August 29th .