Bearcats staying hot

The Truro Bearcats like January.

It’s been all good since the month started. Consecutive four–point weekends can certainly create a feel-good environment.

Saturday, Truro faced a Yarmouth team willing to play desperate hockey. The Mariners had plenty of push but the Bearcats found a way to win via the shootout.

It was a solid game from both sides, each team receiving topnotch goaltending.

The win garnered a huge two points. For 30 games the Bearcats have chased the Mariners. The caught them Saturday.

Sunday, the Bearcats thumped a depleted Valley team. They didn’t take anything for granted and capitalized early and often on opportunities provided.

Truro’s road record of 8-7-1 for the season is over .500 for the first time. Good teams have to be on the plus side.

It was a team-building win. Scoring was spread deep in the Bearcat lineup.

The Bearcat game is improving in many areas. Shotsagainst have been cut down significantly. It’s helpful when most of the game is played in the other end.

Bearcat penalties have been reduced and, when called upon, the penalty-kill, for the first time this season, is over 80 per cent.

The power play has remained strong. Five extra-attacker goals Sunday speak volumes.

While all this is good, teams can never become complacent. Hockey can smack you quickly.

Tonight, the Bearcats are in Summerside to face the Capitals. They haven’t seen each other since early October.

The Capitals are a focused team winning this year by committee. They have speed and compete, and they always like to beat Truro.

Saturday, the Bearcats are at the RECC to face the South Shore Lumberjacks. The veteran talent has been traded away but the young players have banded together.

It’s a new week with new challenges.