For the Truro Bearcats, the first opportunity to make that important initial impression comes this Sunday afternoon.
Opening a Training Camp is an exciting time for those with thoughts of cracking the lineup and an anxious one for management waiting to see who shows up.
Eleven players from last season’s roster are eligible to return. Some of those remain in Major Junior Camps which opened last week, and others, may have other options.
Whatever the case, this group will form the leadership core. Many are second year players, but each will be expected to help show the way for the new faces.
Truro has done well with the Annual Draft over the years. This June, the Bearcats claimed on Territorial selection and chose ten others.
This group, along with the Draft choices from recent years will soon learn their biggest asset relates to their work ethic. How hard they compete will determine how long they stay.
To date, the Bearcats have acquired experienced players through trades within the MHL (a 20 year-old goalie from the Edmundston Blizzard and a 19 year-old forward from St. Stephen Aces). Also added was a 20 year-old forward with three years of OHL experience.
It all comes together Sunday, 1:00 pm at the TAAC Grounds with the Fitness component of the Camp. It will become clear quickly who put in the time over the summer.
Campers will be on the ice Sunday evening (8:00 – 10:30 pm), Monday (1:00 pm and 8:00 pm) and Tuesday (1:00 pm). They will be out to show what they got.
Since returning to the Junior ranks in 1997, the Bearcats have won four League Titles, seven Provincial Crowns and one Fred Page Cup Championship.
It’s a good program and a good place to play. Those coming to camp should show they want to be part of it.
Last week, the Bearcats put out a call for additional Billet homes. If interested, contact Sheila Harrington (902-890-8756). Bearcat
Season Ticket holders and those wishing to become one, can pick up tickets at the Bearcat Office.