Straight ahead

The difference in the game came down to the last good shot taken.

It was a Bearcat who took it, providing the team with its fourth consecutive win and putting the club in unfamiliar territory.

At the end of the night, the Bearcats won one of the biggest games of the season, moving into a fourth-place tie with Amherst.

It was a long climb to get to that position but the work over the last two months paid off. They’ve become contenders.

That Bearcat-rambler game remained in doubt until the closing minutes. It truly looked like a first game back after a long break, both teams frustrated with inability to finish.

The Bearcats come into this week two points back of Amherst (Ramblers defeated Pictou County Saturday), with games in hand over everybody in the MHL.

The team has caught up and is very much in the mix. The goals are clear – continue to get better and to win games.

The MHL’S no-trade period extended from Dec. 11 to

Jan 1. There have been transactions throughout the league since, with the Jan. 10 deadline coming quickly.

Come 7 p.m. Friday, rosters will basically be set. The Bearcats are looking to improve, have some things in the works and now it’s a wait and see.

While all this is off the ice, the Bearcats must prepare for a home doubleheader Friday and Saturday.

First up will be the Campbellton Tigers, then the Valley Wildcats. Both games get underway at 7 p.m.

The Tigers, finalists last year, are in a successful rebuild with seven returning forwards and two experienced goalies. The Bearcats had a comeback win in the only meeting this year.

The Wildcats are in a position where they can play the spoiler. For sure, the rest of the way, Valley will be in them to win them.

Truro’s record over the last 10 games is second to none in points gained. They have plenty to prove and, to a player, feel their best days are ahead.

The Bearcats are pleased to partner with Cooper’s Cabin, Elsewhere Gaming and Hobbies and the Truro Centre for the Million card giveaway for each Bearcat game for the remainder of the season. This weekend there will be three draws each game, winners each get 2,500 hockey cards.

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