The Trade Deadline, and the days leading up to its conclusion, was mind boggling.
Thankfully, the teams got back to playing the game on ice. Obviously, the Bearcats enjoyed it, picking up a pair of wins.
The Grand Falls-Truro game Friday, January 10th at the RECC saw both teams play with altered lineups, part of the territory of junior hockey.
The Bearcat adjustment was quick, building a four goal lead before the Rapids got on the board. The visitors meshed well toward the end but came out on the short end of a 5-1 game.
Sunday (January 11), the Bearcats travelled to Amherst and returned with an impressive 4-1 win, giving the club three wins in their five meetings.
The Bearcats kept things simple, played as a team and quieted the jungle crowd. Things were tight until the third period when the Bearcats scored three for the 4-1 road win.
The Bearcats clearly were pulling in the same direction in both games, so things look good going forward. At the end of the Trade Deadline, the Bearcats brought seven new players on board.
The team had expected to see some former draft picks come their way from the QMJHL. They received goalie Jack Milner (19, Antigonish, 2021 draft pick) from the Mooseheads; forward, Jake Todd (19, Beaverbank, 2022 pick) from the Mooseheads; and defenceman, Eric Halliday (18, Hammonds Plains, 2022 pick) from the Blainville-Boisbriand Armada.
The Bearcats traded for the following: goalie, Rylan Benner (18, Moncton, acquired from Thunder Bay North Stars (SIJHL); forwards, Isaac Arsenault (18, Richmond, PEI) from Campbellton, Eli Baillargeon (19, Shefford, QC) from Shawinigan, and Ben de

5’10, 187lbs,
19yo, Goalie
Jonge (20, Montreal, QC) from Fredericton.
The roster is now frozen at 22 players. Let the race to the playoffs begin.
Wednesday, January 15, the Bearcats host the Amherst Ramblers. Free admission for First Responders and Veterans – Appreciation Night. This is a huge game.
Thursday, January 16, the Bearcats, winless in four with the Capitals, are in Summerside.
Saturday, January 18, the Bearcats are in Edmundston, then Sunday face the Rapids in Grand Falls.
That’s a load.
Bearcat-of-the-Week honours went to returning goalie, Jack Milner. He backstopped the Bearcats to two weekend games, turning aside 82 of 84 shots directed his way – well done.