Home opener No. 22 on tap

Obviously, there is nothing wrong with starting the season on the road.

Successful teams need wins on the road. e plan is to keep things simple; keep things close, and nd a way to come home with points.

at recipe worked for the Bearcats last Saturday in St. Stephen. ey played well enough for the victory and have the two points to prove it.

ere were plenty of early season positives and plenty of areas needing attention as the Bearcats, like all MHL teams, work toward getting the teams playing their games.

For the Bearcats, eight rookies have their initial junior game in the books. Adjustment to this level varies from player to player and it is good the process is underway.

Late last week the Bearcats added junior experience and depth to the forward game via a MHL trade. Again, the Bearcats did not relinquish a roster player or any on the protected list.

Practices this week focus on getting better as a team, improving puck management and getting ready for the 22nd home-opener.

These games are always special, but this year’s tribute to the Humboldt Broncos adds another dimension.

All 133 member teams of the CJHL will pay tribute to this team and its tragic accident, April 6, 2018. e crash killed 10 players, two coaches, a trainer, a statistician, a broadcaster and the bus driver. A banner “We Play For em” will be unveiled in every Junior “A” home rink in Canada.

e Valley Wildcats are in town Saturday to face the Bearcats in the home-opener (7 p.m. at the RECC). e Wildcats missed out on postseason play last year and the goal is not see a repeat of this.

at team has a solid nucleus returning and has been busy in the o -season bulking up. e teams split pre-season games, each with an OT win. Next Wednesday, the Bearcats host the Amherst Ramblers, now in their 51st consecutive season. Hosting this year’s Fred Page Cup, the Ramblers will be attempting to build a winner. Game time – 7 p.m. at the RECC.

These rivals bring their best compete level every meeting. is will be the rst of two Wednesday encounters between these teams.

Dalhousie (Agriculture Cam- pus) and NSCC (Truro Campus) students can enter Wednesday’s game by producing their school ID.

Support the Bearcats.

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