Truro News

‘Next’ hockey season begins

- Gerry Hale Gerry Hale is president and media relations co-ordinator for the Truro Bearcats junior A hockey club.

The Truro Bearcats wrapped up their pre-christmas schedule in fine style.

A convincing win over the visiting Amherst Ramblers lifted spirits and sent the boys home eager to prepare for the next leg.

A good crowd saw a solid display of Bearcat hockey highlighte­d by strong goaltendin­g and an impressive power play. The latter has not been a strength this year, but three power-play goals in the opening period set the stage for this important win.

The other special team was equally impressive. The Ramblers were held scoreless in the six man-advantage opportunit­ies they possessed.

So, the “next” season gets underway this weekend. It refers to the stretch through to the end of regular season play.

Teams look at their standings, then decide – stay pat; or sell off assets to build for the future; or, acquire assets to tip fortune in a positive way. Jan. 10 is the big day. At the end of that day, rosters are basically set for the remainder of the year.

The Bearcats enter this stage two points out of fourth spot, having games in hand over most teams in their division. The Bearcats have nine games scheduled for January – five at home, four on the road. All but one are divisional games.

Truro comes into this week with a 6-1-3-0 record over the last 10 games. The last three were wins.

There are plenty of positives. While pleased with much that happened in recent weeks, the coaching staff collective­ly feels this group hasn’t yet shown their best on a consistent basis.

There’s a good feeling in the dressing room. Winning does that and there’s a confidence that good things lie ahead.

As usual, the Bearcats plan is to make the playoffs, then see what happens. It’s clear that’s ingrained going ahead.

The Bearcats’ first game of the “next” season is Friday, at the RECC (7 p.m.) against the Amherst Ramblers.

It’s a big one – come along for the ride.

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