Get on the positive side Gerry Hale

Must-win games don’t usually occur in October of a hockey season.

For the Truro Bearcats and the Valley Wildcats, last Friday’s game in Berwick was just that.

After a scoreless opening period the Bearcats engineered a two goal lead; the Wildcats managed to close the gap; then, in the final frame, the home team scored a pair en route to claiming a 3-2 win, a much needed one.

Credit Valley for finding a way to get it done. From a distance, it appears Truro didn’t help themselves, giving the opposition seven opportunities on the power play.

While the Wildcats only managed one special teams goal, the Bearcats were busy killing off a slew of them. That’s a big assignment.

Truro’s penalty kill obviously was efficient but having to operate under those circumstances takes away flow and any momentum which might be built.

Not all penalties are good ones to take. Some are just plain dumb. Regardless, they’re all hard to kill when needing goals.

Thankfully, October is over. Truro had nine games, with just three at home. The team managed one win, three shootout losses, and five regulation defeats.

With a new month and the goal of getting better, those close ones may start to come Truro’s way. The Bearcats can look forward to five home and five road games in November.

Unfortunately, they open the month in Campbellton, then follow with a date in Miramichi Saturday. Nobody said it would be easy.

The Tigers are coming off a banner season when they were MHL finalists, losing to Yarmouth. That program was rejuvenated and is currently rebuilding.

The Timberwolves missed out in playoff action last year, and are currently sixth in their division. In many respects they are having a hard luck year.

It doesn’t matter whom the competition is. Every team wants to win and plays to win. It’s a matter of getting everything in order.

Some teams are in mid-season form and are as good as they will be. Others, haven’t found their game yet. It takes time.

Be watching for info on bidding for those PINK IN THE RINK Bearcat sweaters.

Gerry Hale is president and media relations coordinator for the

Truro Bearcats junior A hockey club.