The Standings in the Eastlink South Division underwent significant change last week.
The Amherst Ramblers, in particular, were on fire posting wins over Yarmouth, Truro and Summerside. Things just got tight.
Coming into this week, the Summerside Capitals remain in top spot with 18 points, three up on Truro and four ahead of the Ramblers. Pictou County and Yarmouth sit with 13 apiece, followed by Valley with 6.
The Bearcat-Rambler game last week was entertaining from the get-go. The Ramblers got on the board first and never relinquished the lead en route to a 5-3 win.
In head-to-head matchups to date, the Ramblers picked up two wins in the three meetings, all played at the RECC.
The Bearcats have a pair of Territorial picks who are earning their junior stripes. Their adjustment to this level has been without a hitch.
Defenceman, Matthew Merryweather (18, Hilden) was a 2024 Territorial. Following two seasons with the Truro Bearcat U-15 squad, he spent a season with the Fundy Thunder. Two seasons with the Weeks U-18 Midgets grew his game, displaying an offensive flair last season scoring 12 and assisting on 31 others in 33 games. His overall play garnered him the U-18 Top Defenceman award last year.
Austin Hoyt (15, Truro) was a 2025 Territorial, as well as a Rouyn-Noranda choice. His size, credentials and willingness to learn and compete have been impressive. His second U-15 season saw him collect 29 goals and 17 assists. Last year, with the U-18 Weeks club, he picked up 23 goals and 37 assists in regular season play, then added another 12 in a dozen post season games.
Hats off to Bearcat rookie, Rylan Sutherland, who returned from Argentina with a Bronze Medal as a member of Canada’s U-18 Softball team which competed in the Pan Am Games.
Team Statistics show Jake Todd leading offensively with 18 points followed by Callum Aucoin with 16 points, including a team high 11 goals, Liam Welsh with 13 points, Eli Baillargeon and Drew Keiver with 12 points apiece and rookie, Nathan Curson with 11 points. Second year defenceman, Tristan St- Gelais leads Bearcat rearguards with 10 points, all assists.
The Bearcats have two home games on tap this week. Yarmouth is in town Friday, then Saturday, the Valley Wildcats make their first visit of the season.