Bearcats close their season
Veteran players, staff reflect on the 2017-18 campaign during year-end banquet
Tuesday night saw the Truro Bearcats wrap up their 21st Maritime Junior Hockey League season with an outstanding dinner and banquet at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre.
The Bearcats lost a best-ofseven Eastlink South Division semifinal series to the Yarmouth Mariners four games to three. One loss was in overtime while another loss came in triple overtime.
Gerry Hale, the Bearcats president, emceed the enjoyable and entertaining event with Bearcats coach/general manager Shawn Evans and owner Stu Rath also taking the microphone.
Rath thanked people for coming and for their support during the past season. The close-tothe-action owner said the Bearcats were in contention each of their 21 years; he also challenged departing players — once their playing careers are over — to take part in hockey programs and to give back to the game.
With the presentation of individual player awards, Evans colourfully described potential returning players as they were presented with gifts and mementos.
“He’s going to be a star in this league,” said Evans of young rookie defenceman Curtis Heffernan.
Evans likewise praised young goaltender Alec Macdonald.
“This boy played really well for us this season. There’s a bright future for number 35 Alec MacDonald.”
The next player, a native of South Porcupine, Ont., was all smiles as Evans exclaimed:
“He’s going to score goals in this league and he’s going to score a lot of them, that’s number 91 – Karter Renouf.”
When it was No. 22, Luke Macmillian’s turn, Evans noted: “When the game is on the line, we put this guy on the ice.”
And, as returning players continued to be recognized, Evans drew laughter from the large audience.
“The Cow, number 8, Ryan Porter,” Evans announced using a nickname tying in with Porter’s agriculture background.
Next up was outstanding forward Dylan Burton, Evans was again alert: Take a look at the clothes, pretty tight — what a dresser! We’re lucky to have number 89, Dylan Burton, back for one more season.”
And, so it went leading up to the highlight of the night – graduating Bearcats players being presented their team sweater and gifts while being called to the microphone to deliver departing remarks. The eight over-aged players, who will move on to new stages in their lives, include forwards Alex Macdonald, Cameron Macleod and Campbell Pickard, goaltender Kevin Resop and defencemen Mark O’shaughnessy, Dan Little, Tyler Pyke and Riley Baggs.
The departing players fared well with their speaking assignment; they were all deliberate and sincere in thanking Rath, the Bearcats organization, Evans, the coaching staff and fans. Let’s revisit, in part, some of their remarks.
Resop: “Although I was only here in Truro for a year, I have so many great things I can look back on. I can honestly say Shawn Evans is the greatest coach I’ve had in my career.”
Pickard: The big centreman and team captain displayed acting ability as he imitated coach Evans during some of his dressing room talks. Astounding, Pickard shared parts of a couple interesting pep talks by the coach and in a voice sounding much like Evans.
Pickard delivered a strong, positive talk, and in a light way he added: “I would also like to say it was nice to have an enforcer looking out for me. It was twice in the playoffs Dan Little stepped up to fight my battles for me.”
O’shaughnessy: “I came all the way from B.C. to play junior hockey here in Truro, it was one of the biggest decisions of my career.”
Little: “The friendships and memories with the Bearcats will never be lost boys. I’d like to thank my teammates of the past two years. Cheers Boys.”
Macleod: Drawing one of the biggest laughs of the night, commented: “I would like to thank Steve Crowell, the head scout of the Bearcats, for drafting me last overall a few years ago.”
Pyke: “Thank you to Stu, Shawn and the Bearcats organization for three great years – thank you to Pyke nation for all your support.”
Baggs gave an astute talk, stating he was in a state of shock that the season was over.
Noah Archibald, a four-year player and eligible to return, stunned the audience by announcing he was stepping away from hockey because of health reasons.
Yes, it certainly was quite a night.