Spotlight on major bantam hockey
Truro Bearcats are contenders in high-calibre Nova Scotia circuit
What a race at the top of the 12-team Nova Scotia Major Bantam Hockey League.
After watching a fast-paced Truro Bearcats practice last week, I took time to study the league standings.
Bedford and The Nova’s, with records of 15-6, led the way with 30 points apiece. The Gulls and the Bearcats each had 28 points; the Rangers were next with 26 points; and Wear Well Bombers had 25 points.
“The league, in its 10th year, is unquestionably the most balanced it has ever been,” said Bearcats head coach Greg Mullen. “The competitive balance makes for very exciting hockey and consistently closer games than in past seasons.”
Mullen feels the Bearcats have had a solid season to date.
“Having said that, the coaching staff tries to ensure that the players do not focus too much on standings, but rather on player development and improvement. If that happens, the desired results should eventually happen.”
As I watched a very professionally-run practice, the numerous modern-day drills and techniques were impressive. Assistant coaches Jeff Sullivan, Richard Mackenzie and Sandy Mackenzie bring a lot of hockey knowledge; Jason Cannon is both an assistant coach and video coach. Jacob Fancy is the goaltender coach.
In a recent league announcement, four Bearcats players were named to play in the Showcase Game scheduled for the East
Hants Sportsplex, Dec. 28 at 4 p.m. The Showcase Game, introduced several seasons back, was spearheaded by Dave Higgins, the Bearcats’ general manager and co-owner. The game is a valuable player promotion showcase.
“Truro has a number of players who are worthy of participating in the game,” Mullen said. “But, unfortunately there’s not room for all to participate. I’m sure it’ll be an enjoyable experience for our four players taking part, they’ll represent the Bearcats well.”
In talking to each of the four Truro players, their polite nature stood out.
Lisa Mombourquette, 14, of Lantz is a goaltender, who also plays soccer, basketball and volleyball.
“I was very excited when I
found out I was picked to play in the Showcase Game, it’s a good opportunity to play against the top bantam players in the game. I like our Bearcats team’s chances of getting to provincials this year, we have a shot at winning.
“I’d describe our team as having great team spirit; the players are all positive and respectful of each other. My personal goal is to keep working hard and improving as a goaltender.”
Aiden Tucker, 14, of Valley plays right wing, and is also a soccer and badminton enthusiast.
“I was really pumped when I heard I made the Showcase Game, I’m really looking forward to it. One of my best early memories of hockey was playing as a seven-year-old in Brookfield and scoring eight goals in a game; I’d sure like to do that
again sometime.
“Our Bearcats are doing well as a team this year, we’re right up there with the top hockey teams in the league. I think we’ll continue to do well.”
Enjoying a good season, Tucker leads the Bearcats in points and is sixth in league scoring.
Tyler Totten, 14, also of Valley, cruises the left wing. He’s also a basketball player.
“I was very surprised to make the Showcase Team; I was really happy to be selected. It’s a good feeling. One of my earliest memories around hockey was winning an atom tournament when I was eight; we were a good team, we were a happy team.
“On this major bantam season, this is a really close league – many teams have equal records. I’m hoping our Bearcats can finish first and then do really well in the playoffs.”
Totten lived in Ontario for two years. He enjoyed playing peewee hockey for both Milton Winterhawks and Brampton 45’s.
Simon Mullen, 14, of Shortts Lake, sees icetime both as a forward and a rearguard, and also plays golf and baseball.
“I was excited to learn I was selected to play in the Showcase Game. I’m looking forward to playing with some of the players I know from around the league.
“Our Truro team is a young team but we have a lot of good hockey players with good hockey IQS. We have a good group of players who stick together well. Although we all don’t live in the Truro area, I think that helps us enjoy the time that we have together at the rink even more.”
In their last game before the Christmas break, the Bearcats defeated Pro Hockey Life Storm in a shootout Sunday at Cole Harbour Place.