Bearcats wrap up

At the end of the day COVID won out.

Last Tuesday, the MHL Board of Governors came to grips with the realities of increased spread and subsequent restrictions.

At the conclusion of that virtual meeting, all Eastlink South Division teams, including the Summerside Capitals, and the North’s Grand Falls franchise, called it a season.

Fredericton, Miramichi and Campbellton are continuing a play-off, maybe to declare a New Brunswick Championship. For the second consecutive year there will be no Canadian Tire Cup presentation.

Credit goes to the MHL for its planning and perseverance throughout the season. The franchise fought the good fight and the cooperation exhibited was clear to all. The only area of major dispute was the decision to go with a round robin in each division to determine seedings rather than use the win percentage of regularseason play, regardless of the number of games played. However, majority ruled.

The hometown Bearcats had a successful regular season, finishing third in the division with 32 games played, sitting behind Yarmouth and Amherst.

A strong finish with 11 consecutive victories, perhaps a franchise high, suggested the Bearcats were geared for a deep, post-season run. It was another what-could-havebeen season.

The Bearcats opened the season with a good crop of returnees, in all three zones. Off-season acquisitions, most of whom are eligible to return, made the team a contender. The rookie contingent was a strong fit, as well.

Mid-season trades and acquisitions created an enhanced confidence. When all on the same page, this team showed they feared none in the MHL.

Eight of this team have aged-out, including four-year Bearcats, Alec Macdonald and Jack Mcgovern. The team thanks each for their contribution and wish them the best going forward.

Left is a strong corps of potential returnees. The Bearcat brain thrust is focused on the June midget draft and on acquiring depth and experience.

The end of one season is the beginning of the next, hopefully with a real hockey closure.