The sprint has begun

All nine leagues making up the Canadian Junior Hockey League are fully engaged in post-season play.

The goal is simple. Be a league winner and meet up with the Portage Terriers, host of this year’s National Championship set for May 11-12 in Portage la Prairie.

Gone are the days of the four regional qualifiers, such as the Fred Page Cup. This is the second year for the 10-team Centennial Cup format.

The MHL’S Metalfab playoffs started on the weekend. The first MHL team to win 12 games will earn the right to head west to Manitoba.

The Truro Bearcats and Valley Wildcats got their series underway Sunday in Truro. The visitors went home with a 2-1 win, and a strong shot of confidence.

The Bearcats had a wide edge in shots-on-goal, but a veteran goalie was up to the task. Some say he stole the game but the jury is still out on that claim.

The bottom line was the Bearcats needed to be better. Clearly the powerplay let them down; however, you can’t take anything away from the victors.

Monday, in Berwick, the teams were dead even heading to the final period. Neither team was able to find a way to end it in regulation time, so it was off to OT.

Four minutes in, the Bearcats got it done. The series is tied and game three is set for Wednesday at the RECC. Game four will be in Berwick Friday, and game five is back in Truro

Sunday.

The Bearcats’ special teams played a big role in the win. The team scored in its only powerplay opportunity and the penalty kill units nullified the four Valley opportunities.

Prior to the start of Wednesday’s game, the Bible Hill Kinsmen make their annual donations to selected charities.

This year, $4,400 will be dispersed, making the total, after 20 years an impressive $91,000.

The Bible Hill Kinsmen – Truro Bearcat Partnership is a solid one. Wayne Mccormick, a Bearcat volunteer and a Kinsman, was instrumental in establishing the partnership. It continues in his memory.

Hats off to captain Brendan Bays for being named First Team All-star in the Eastlink South Division, an honour well deserved.

Bearcat-of-the-week honours went to forward Landon Miron. The OT goal was huge ... nuff said.