New-look Bearcats

This week things in the MHL should resemble normal.

Last week, it was all about roster decisions, forced and unforced. Deadline can do that.

Truro entered that week with a card in hand, looking to fill. Two departures, one a call-up to major junior for the balance of the season, and the other, a requested trade, changed a lot of things.

The Bearcat goal was to get better and make a run for it. By week’s end the team acquired three 20 year olds (a defenceman and a pair of forwards).

The roster is basically set for the remainder of the year. From this corner, the team is much more experienced, grittier and more offensively skilled.

The first game with the new look Bearcats, last Friday, proved to be a tough one. The visiting Campbellton Tigers came ready to play.

It’s hard to put a positive spin on the first two periods of that game, but the Bearcats did get their act together to make a game of it in the third.

Saturday, Truro dominated the Valley Wildcats in the opening frame en route to a convincing win. Things were starting to take hold.

Personnel changes require time to mesh and solidify. A full week of practice aimed at getting all on the same page is underway.

The battle for playoff positions in the South Division is going to be a dandy. While Valley is well down in the standings, remaining teams consider themselves contenders.

Positions 2-through-5 are separated by five points. At season’s end, there should be at least one unhappy team.

Truro hits the road for a pair of games this week, playing tonight in Pictou County and Sunday in South Shore. Both have 7 p.m. starts.

The Crusher lineup has tweaked a bit. The most penalized MHL team this year will continue its in-your-face game.

It’s been said the Lumberjacks have slipped a bit. Don’t believe it. They are a big, experienced squad.

The run to the end of regular season play promises to be exciting. For hockey enthusiasts, it’s a special time of year.

Be part of it.