Tough road stretch ahead

Clearly, it was a week unlike any other.

For the first time, the Truro Bearcats accepted the opportunity to play at the international level, facing the Czech Republic.

There are risks in this type of matchup, but, at the end of the day, the Bearcats put forth a great effort and a strong showing in a losing cause.

A club team is not supposed to defeat a national team. Except for early period starts and some frustration with the opposition’s skill set, the Bearcats were worthy opponents.

Jumping from that stage back into league play against a team you’ve beaten three times required some adjustment. Maybe it was too quick.

Truro faced a hungry Valley Wildcat team which scored early, then forced OT and the shootout.

Once reaching that stage, anything can happen. The Wildcats won.

The two games had some similarity other than the outcome. The opposition scored in the first minute in five of the six periods of regulation time.

A team arriving late has to play catch-up hockey. Teams don’t plan for that.

The Bearcats wrap up their pre-Christmas schedule with what might be considered the worst road trip in the 21 years of this franchise.

It starts in Woodstock Friday, moves to St. Stephen for a Saturday game, then concludes in Edmundston Sunday. Sounds like Border Security.

The Bearcats shut out the Slammers last month in Truro. Their lineup has changed significantly since, and the Slammers are looking to even things up.

The County Aces had a strong start but have fizzled over the last weeks. Truro won at home in their only meeting and want to build on that.

Edmundston has basically been in the country’s top-20 since the season began. They hold two victories over the Bearcats so Truro’s plan should be clear.

This is a tough way to wind up a schedule, but it is what it is and the players have to deal with it. They know how important the points are.

On the WJAC front at the RECC, today is another big day with semifinal action at 3:30 and 7:30. Check it out.