It’s often just a matter of time before things boil over.
Saturday’s game between the Truro Bearcats and Pictou County Crushers was their fifth meeting to date. Apparently, familiarity does breed contempt.
From the outset it was clear that all checks would be finished. Unfortunately, there were some serious ones, likely deserving of suspension but hopefully not resulting in sustained injury.
The Bearcats built up a four-goal lead before a five-minute major opened the door for the Crushers who scored a pair to make it a game.
This momentum shift was short lived, with the Bearcats scoring twice the rest of the way to claim the 6-2 win, their third in the head-to-head matchups.
It was a feisty game for sure. With three meetings left in the schedule, it’s clear the old dislike still exists.
Coming into this week, Summerside continues to lead the Division with 34 points, followed by Amherst (22), Yarmouth (19), then Truro and Pictou County with 17 points apiece, with Valley (16) in the basement. From 2-thru-6, it’s tight.
This week the Bearcats prepare for two games. First up is their first meeting with the Miramichi Timberwolves, Friday, 7:00 at the RECC.
The Timberwolves are the MHL’s defending champions. It was their first crown since entering the league in 2000, and their second trip to the finals.
Their first was in 2017 against the Bearcats. Truro wasn’t supposed to be there, but the Bearcats were and captured their fourth championship.
Sunday, the Bearcats are in Amherst for a 2:00 pm start. This will be their third meeting, each coming in with a win. It should be another close one.
The current Bearcat franchise has lost one of its founders with the passing last week of Keith MacKenzie, who served as Team President for the first twenty years. The area has lost one of its most influential sport leaders.
Please keep in mind the Annual Kinsmen Teddy Bear Toss scheduled for Sunday, December 1. Let’s help the Christmas Index make a difference again this year.
Fredericton, NB
5’11”, 175 lbs.
20, Defence
Bearcat-of-the-Week honours went to defenceman, Tyler Guy, who picked up a pair of assists in Saturday’s game, to go along with solid play in the defensive zone and on special team play. The mobile rearguard spent a year and one-half with the Estevan Bruins (SJHL) before coming to the Bearcasts last January. His leadership, as Truro’s lone returning defenceman, is clear.