It’s all about the team, says Renouf
At 81, local runner is still earning his fair share of medals
e Truro Bearcats enjoy a great swing through Northern New Brunswick in Maritime Junior Hockey League play on the weekend.
Friday night in Campbellton, they earned a 1-0 shootout win as Gavin Hart scored the winner. Overtime was needed Saturday night in Miramichi and it was Hart again coming through with the big winning goal.
With the two wins Truro (10-3-11) have moved into a tie with Amherst ramblers for second
place in the Eastlink South Division.
On the subject of big goals, we talked to high scoring Bearcats forward Karter renouf for this week’s column. e 19-year-old secondyear player from South Porcupine, Ont., has been outstanding in the scoring department.
With eight goals and three assists, Renouf is one of the team’s top scorers. It was back on Oct. 12 that he pretty well destroyed the visiting Edmundston Blizzard by scoring Truro’s only goal in regulation time and then firing the overtime winner to clinch a 2-1 Bearcats victory.
“Scoring goals and getting assists is all about a team e ort,” Renouf said. “It’s really about my teammates, it’s not a personal thing. It’s about our team. We all have to think Truro Bearcats.”
Looking forward to returning to the Rath-eastlink Community Centre Saturday night to host Pictou County Crushers, Renouf and I discussed the ne rivalry between the two teams, particularly given their geography.
“Both teams are well structured,” said Renouf. “We are both hard working teams, we have the same goals and it’s always a good battle when we play Pictou County. Saturday night, both teams will be looking for a win – I know we’re looking to win.”
As Renouf and I continued talking hockey, the team’s depth, goaltending and team spirit all drew A’s. Then there’s coach Shawn Evans.
“I feel like coach is a big factor with this team. He makes us what we are, he meshes us together, we wouldn’t be where we are without coach. Our forwards are fast, we have a good defence and good goaltending – we may not be a team that will blow you out of the water but we’ll do our best to work you into the ground.”
Known as a warrior for his o - ice training, Renouf, a solid 180 pounds, shared about his training ethic.
“I like to do plyometric, quick feet and agility ladders. I work on core a lot; I try to work in the gym four days a week. An average workout runs about an hour and a half.”
Renouf played his early minor hockey in Timmins and South Porcupine.
“I rst moved away from South Porcupine when I was 15,” Renouf told me. “I went to Sudbury to play minor midget AAA hockey.”
A number of interesting stops followed as the talented forward suited up with teams such as Kirkland Lake Gold Miners and Waterloo Siskins before arriving in Truro.
“I have another year in junior after this year,” Renouf said. “I’m hoping to play three years with the Bearcats.”
Opening faceo Saturday night at the RECC is 7 p.m. It’ll be a good one, with the Bearcats against the Crushers.
Gower ompson continues to prove he’s one amazing athlete.
Competing in the Canada 55+ Games this past summer in Saint John, N.B., the 81-year-old Bible Hill resident earned three silver and two bronze medals.
“ e silver medals came in the 1500 metre,” ompson recalled. “My time was eight minutes and 38 seconds; the 800 metre, four minutes and 35 seconds; and the 400 metre, one minute and 12 seconds. I received bronze medals in the 5K and in javelin. I guess I’m still up there with the oldest runners in Nova Scotia.”
Born in Montreal, ompson has lived in Nova Scotia for 25 years. e former employee of Foodland, Atlantic Superstore and Nilex recalled a Halifax event.
“A little more than 10 years ago when I was 70 I ran in the Canada Day Run; it was a 10K. I came in rst.”
Showing me a personal collection of 32 medals, most were for rst place nishes.
“I love to run but I’m even surprised with how long I’ve run. It would be an accomplishment to still be running when I’m 90. If my heart and legs don’t give out, I want to keep going.”