For most, the opening of Training Camp couldn’t come soon enough.
The 29th Bearcat Camp gets underway Monday (August 25) at 2:00 pm, again on Tuesday at 2:00 pm, followed by a pair of intrasquad games scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday at 2:00 pm.
The week concludes with an exhibition game in Valley on Friday. The Wildcats will be in Truro Saturday. Both games have 7:00 pm starts.
This time last year, the Bearcats opened with a handful of returnees. Basically, they were starting from scratch, especially in the defensive zone, where they had one returnee.
This year is very different, with five returning defensemen. This group no longer fits the rookie description. They’re seasoned, with playoff experience and hungry to get back at it.
Offensively, the club returns six forwards, most being 20 year-olds. Each feels there is some unfinished business needing addressing.
Key departures from those eligible to return are goalie, Jack Milner, who elected to suit up for AUS hockey with St. F.X. Forward, Kevin Walker, was traded to Valley, and Creegan Tompkins landed a spot in the NOJHL.
The Bearcats were pleased with their draft picks in 2024 and 2025. Members in these groups will challenge for positions.
At times last year, scoring goals was often less than deserved. This has been a main focus in the drafts, and with off-season acquisitions.
QMJHL camps are well underway. The prospect of returning players is watched closely.
From the coaching stand point, the team is miles ahead of where they were last year and continues to search for pieces that can make a difference.
It goes without saying, optimism is running high. That’s just what the Bearcat nation wants to hear.