Truro Bearcats
Truro Bearcats | |
---|---|
City | Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada |
League | Maritime Junior Hockey League |
Division | Eastlink |
Founded | 1997 |
Home arena | Rath Eastlink Community Centre |
Colours |
Red, white, and black |
Owner(s) | Stuart Rath |
General manager | Shawn Evans |
Head coach | Shawn Evans |
Franchise history | |
1997 - Present | Truro Bearcats |
The Truro Bearcats are a Junior "A" team based out of Truro, Nova Scotia. The Bearcats are one of six Nova Scotia teams in the Maritime Junior Hockey League.
History
Metro Valley League Years
Originally, Truro was a member of the Metro Valley Junior Hockey League. The Bearcats won five championships in the MVJHL. Three back to back from 1969-70 to 1971-72. Truro won two more championships in 1973-74 and 1975-76. [1] In 1977 the MVJHL became a Junior "A" league and the Bearcats folded mid season in 1983.
Return of Junior Hockey
The new franchise of 1997 marked the return of junior hockey to Truro, and the Bearcats return to the MJAHL. The Truro Bearcats were formed in 1997 as a member of the Maritime Jr A Hockey League. The Bearcats have stayed competitive over their franchise history, they have never had a losing record, and have never missed the playoffs.
During the 2001 MJAHL Draft, the Bearcats picked 13-year-old minor hockey phenom Sidney Crosby[2][3][4] During the 2001-02 season, as a call-up, Crosby played a two-game call-up stint with the Bearcats.[5][6][7] Despite minimal playing time, Crosby still managed an assist.
In 2002, the Truro Bearcats played in their first Fred Page Cup as the host squad, They made four other appearances three as MJAHL champions, one in 2005, at a tournament hosted in Yarmouth Nova Scotia, and one in 2007 Saint-Jérôme Quebec. In 2013 the Bearcats hosted the tournament for a second time and a first time at their new home Rath Eastlink Community Centre winning the Final 3-2 in double Overtime against the Summerside Western Capitals. In 2014 The Bearcats made a second consecutive appearance in the Fred Page Cup tournament hosted by Saint-Jérôme
Truro captured their third Division Championship and third Provincial Championship in five seasons in 2008/09. The Bearcats would be defeated by the Summerside Western Capitals in the league final four games to one.
The 2011-12 season was the Bearcats final full season at the Colchester Legion Stadium.
A New Home
The town of Truro and County of Colchester are constructing the new Central Nova Scotia Civic Centre, a rink that is supposed to seat 2600+ spectators.[8] The rink will be the new home of the Bearcats upon completion. The Bearcats will kick off their inaugural season in the new building by hosting the Fred Page Cup for the second time in franchise history (The first being in 2002) .[9]
On February 13, 2013 officials from the Rath Eastlink Community Centre confirmed the first home game for the Bearcats would be held on March 2, 2013, and would coincide with the opening of the new facility. [10] The Bearcats are not charging any admission fee to their inaugural game in the community centre, but will be accepting donations to local a charity. Management is hoping for a large crowd in anticipation of the arena finally opening after many delays. [11]
Logo and uniforms
The Truro Bearcats primary logo is large red or black T while their secondary logo features a bearcat jumping. In print, or other media the Bearcats logo consists of a large red T with a small jumping bearcat to the lower right.
2009–present
This jersey unveiled in the 2009-10 season features a large T on the front and the design of the Boston Bruins from 1995-2007. The jersey design is similar to the uniform the Bearcats would have worn in the 1920s and was implemented to bring back some tradition to the community.[12]
1997-2009
The logo is similar to that of the Florida Panthers of the NHL. The Bearcats' old jersey is that of the Buffalo Sabres from 1996/97 - 2005/06.
Seasons and records
Season-by-season results
Note: GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties, OTL = Overtime Losses, Pts = Points, GF = Goals for, GA = Goals against, PIM = Penalties in minutes
Season | GP | W | L | T | OTL/ SOL | GF | GA | P | Results (Division) | Results (League) | Playoffs |
1997-98 | 51 | 27 | 19 | 4 | 2 | 253 | 207 | 60 | 2nd Maurice Bent | 4th MJAHL | Lost Division-Final |
1998-99 | 48 | 31 | 16 | 1 | 2 | 222 | 154 | 63 | 3rd Maurice Bent | 4th MJAHL | Lost Quarter-Final |
1999-00 | 52 | 32 | 17 | 3 | 0 | 231 | 180 | 67 | 3rd Maurice Bent | 4th MJAHL | Lost Quarter-Final |
2000-01 | 52 | 22 | 21 | 7 | 2 | 202 | 201 | 53 | 3rd Maurice Bent | 6th MJAHL | Lost Quarter-Final |
2001-02 | 52 | 28 | 16 | 6 | 2 | 195 | 155 | 64 | 2nd Maurice Bent | 3rd MJAHL | Lost Quarter-Final 4th at Fred Page Cup |
2002-03 | 52 | 34 | 14 | 2 | 2 | 211 | 164 | 72 | 1st Maurice Bent | 2nd MJAHL | Lost Division-Final |
2003-04 | 52 | 33 | 10 | 7 | 2 | 193 | 146 | 75 | 2nd Maurice Bent | 2nd MJAHL | Lost Division-Final |
2004-05 | 56 | 24 | 15 | 12 | 5 | 183 | 159 | 65 | 2nd Maurice Bent | 4th MJAHL | Won League 4th at Fred Page Cup |
2005-06 | 56 | 28 | 20 | 0 | 8 | 193 | 166 | 64 | 4th Maurice Bent | 7th MJAHL | Lost Preliminary |
2006-07 | 58 | 42 | 12 | 0 | 4 | 257 | 138 | 88 | 1st Maurice Bent | 1st MJAHL | Won League 4th at Fred Page Cup |
2007-08 | 58 | 37 | 11 | - | 10 | 210 | 138 | 84 | 2nd Maurice Bent | 4th MJAHL | Lost Quarter-final |
2008-09 | 54 | 36 | 12 | - | 6 | 212 | 127 | 78 | 1st Maurice Bent | 2nd MJAHL | Lost Final |
2009-10 | 50 | 37 | 7 | - | 6 | 214 | 104 | 80 | 1st Maurice Bent | 2nd MJAHL | Lost Quarter-final |
2010-11 | 52 | 30 | 18 | - | 4 | 166 | 128 | 64 | 2nd Maurice Bent | 4th MHL | Lost Quarter-final |
2011-12 | 52 | 29 | 20 | - | 3 | 190 | 155 | 61 | 3rd Maurice Bent | 4th MHL | Lost Quarter-final |
2012-13 | 52 | 38 | 9 | - | 5 | 226 | 124 | 81 | 1st Eastlink | 2nd MHL | Lost final Won Fred Page Cup 5th at Royal Bank Cup |
2013-14 | 52 | 38 | 11 | - | 3 | 243 | 131 | 79 | 1st Eastlink | 1st MHL | Won league 3rd at Fred Page Cup |
2014-15 | 48 | 25 | 19 | - | 4 | 180 | 154 | 54 | 4th Eastlink | 8th MHL | Lost League Final |
2015-16 | 48 | 25 | 15 | 5 | 3 | 134 | 116 | 58 | 1st South | 4th MHL | Lost Quarter-final |
Franchise records
These are franchise records held by previous team rosters. Figures are updated after each completed MHL regular season.
Team Records for a single season | ||||||||||
Statistic | Total | Season | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Most Points | 88 | 2006–07 | ||||||||
Most Wins | 42 | 2006–07 | ||||||||
Most Goals For | 257 | 2006–07 | ||||||||
Least Goals For | 180 | 2014–15 | ||||||||
Least Goals Against | 104 | 2009–10 | ||||||||
Most Goals Against | 201 | 2000–01 |
Franchise individual records
Franchise scoring leaders
These are the top-ten point-scorers in franchise history. Figures are updated after each completed MHL regular season.
Note: G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; Season(s) = Seasons played with franchise
Name | G | A | PTS | Season(s) |
Stephen Horyl | 79 | 121 | 200 | 2006–2009, 2010–11 |
Dana Fraser | 69 | 124 | 193 | 2007–2010 |
Jon Reid | 50 | 139 | 189 | 2006–2009 |
T.J. Smith | 97 | 84 | 181 | 2004–2007 |
David MacBurnie | 66 | 103 | 169 | 2003–2007 |
Derek Field | 57 | 108 | 165 | 1998–2001 |
Josh Boulton | 85 | 79 | 164 | 1997–2000 |
Glenn Frazee | 76 | 83 | 159 | 2001–2005 |
K.C. Brown | 68 | 88 | 156 | 2005–2009 |
Jordan Mock | 57 | 88 | 145 | 2009–2012 |
Records – skaters
- Career
- Most seasons: 5, Travis Moore
- Most goals: 97, T.J. Smith
- Most assists: 139, Jon Reid
- Most points: 200, Stephen Horyl
- Most penalty minutes: 675, Donald Johnstone
- Season
- Most goals in a season: 41, T.J. Smith (2005–06)
- Most assists in a season: 63, Dana Fraser (2009–10)
- Most points in a season: 90, Dana Fraser (2009–10)
- Most penalty minutes in a season: 348, Vincent Muller (2002–03)
Leaders
Team captains
- Robbie Dickson, 1997-1999
- Todd Kennedy, 1999-00
- Alan Dwyer, 2000–01
- Bryant Fraser, 2001–02
- Joel Isenor, 2002–03
- Jim White, 2003–04
- Glenn Frazee, 2004–05
- Matt Beaver, 2005-2007
- Rodi Short, 2007–08
- Sam Hounsell, 2008–09
- Ben MacAskill, 2009–10
- Evan Watts, 2010–11
- Matt English, 2011–12
- Travis Moore, 2012–13
- Phillip Fife, 2013-14
Head coaches
- Steve Crowell, 1997-2001
- Dave Barett, 2001
- Shawn Evans, 2001–present
Honoured members
- David Brine, 2002-03, jersey retired May 3, 2013
- Matt Climie, 2002-2004, jersey retired May 3, 2013
League awards
Team awards
Team Trophies and Awards | |||
Award | Description | Times Won | Seasons |
---|---|---|---|
Kent Cup | League Champions | 3 | 2004–05, 2006–07, 2013–14 |
Nova Scotia Jr. "A" Provincial Champions | Bent/Eastlink Division Champions | 6 | 2004–05, 2006–07, 2008–09, 2012-13, 2013–14, 2014–15 |
MHL President's Cup | Regular Season Champions | 2 | 2006–07, 2013–14 |
Fred Page Cup | Eastern Canadian Champions | 1 | 2012–13 |
Executive of the Year Award | Top Executive Team of the MHL | 1 | 2012–13 |
Individual Awards
Individual awards won by Bearcat players and staff | ||
Player | Award | Season |
---|---|---|
Chris Wilcox | League MVP | 1997–98 |
Chris Wilcox | Playoff MVP | 1997–98 |
Mark Lynk | Most Sportsmanlike | 1998–99 |
Josh Boulton | Most Sportsmanlike | 1999–00 |
Donald Johnstone | Academic Achievement Award | 2002–03 |
Matt Climie/Daniel Turner | Young/Knickle Trophy (GAA) | 2003–04 |
Matt Climie | RBC Player of the Year | 2003–04 |
Matt Climie | League MVP | 2003–04 |
Matt Climie | Top goaltender | 2003–04 |
Matt Iorianni | Playoff MVP | 2004–05 |
Shawn Evans | Coach of the Year | 2004–05 |
Victor Saari/Corey Chipman | Young/Knickle Trophy (GAA) | 2005–06 |
Darcy Stewart/Kirk Rafuse | Young/Knickle Trophy (GAA) | 2006–07 |
Jon Reid | Rookie of the Year | 2006–07 |
Andrew Harmes | Academic Achievement Award | 2006–07 |
Zach Sill | Playoff MVP | 2006–07 |
Shawn Evans | Coach of the Year | 2006–07 |
Pierre Alexandre Marion/Luke Gallant | Young/Knickle Trophy (GAA) | 2007–08 |
Stephen Horyl | Most Sportsmanlike | 2007–08 |
Pierre Alexandre Marion | League MVP | 2007–08 |
Pierre Alexandre Marion | Top Goaltender | 2007–08 |
Richard Gagnon/Kirk Rafuse | Young/Knickle Trophy (GAA) | 2008–09 |
Shawn Evans | Coach of the Year | 2008–09 |
Richard Gagnon/Kirk Rafuse/Alex Scola | Young/Knickle Trophy (GAA) | 2009–10 |
Kirk Rafuse | Top Goaltender | 2009–10 |
Dana Fraser | Most Sportsmanlike | 2009–10 |
Kirk Rafuse/Spencer Scott | Young/Knickle Trophy (GAA) | 2010–11 |
Colin Beck | Community Leadership Award | 2011–12[13] |
Alex Dalley | Scholastic Player of the Year | 2011–12[14] |
Kyle Morrison | League Top Scorer | 2012–13 |
Jacob Fancy and Chris Festarini | Top Goal-tending Duo | 2013-14 |
Dan Poliziani | Playoff MVP | 2013-14 |
Jordan McNaughton | League Top Defensemen / CJHL Team East First Team All-Star | 2014-2015 |
Notable alumni
The Truro Bearcats have had many players develop and pass through the organization. Many have gone on to play university hockey and major junior hockey. Truro has also had players move on to play in the National Hockey League or American Hockey League.
- Andrew MacDonald
- Zach Sill
- Matt Climie
- Mark Cody
- David Brine
- Franklin MacDonald
- Rodi Short
- Sidney Crosby[15]
See also
References
- ↑ http://trurosporthalloffame.com/1975-76-truro-jr-bearcats-hockey-team/
- ↑ Reyno, Jim. Bearcats scoop up 13-year-old Crosby: [DAILY Edition]. Daily News [Halifax, N.S] 17 June 2001: 77.
- ↑ Fleming, Carl. Rotating Atlantic Bowl was predictable move: [DAILY Edition]. Daily News [Halifax, N.S] 19 June 2001: 47.
- ↑ Van Horne, Ryan. Crosby adapting very well: [DAILY Edition]. Daily News [Halifax, N.S] 10 Sep 2001: 32.
- ↑ "Crosbys-visit-to-market-makes-fans-day". Retrieved 14 April 2012.
- ↑ Van Horne, Ryan. Mooseheads unbeaten in six: [DAILY Edition]. Daily News [Halifax, N.S] 17 Oct 2001: 51.
- ↑ Capitals' sniper among leaders: [Final Edition]. Guardian [Charlottetown, P.E.I] 24 Oct 2001: B4.
- ↑ "About the Central Nova Civic Centre". Retrieved 11 May 2012.
- ↑ "Bearcats land Fred Page Cup". Truro Daily News. December 5, 2011. Retrieved 14 April 2012.
- ↑ "New arena to open early next month". Truro Daily News. February 13, 2013. Retrieved 13 February 2013.
- ↑ "Bearcats pumped to play in new arena". Truro Daily News. February 13, 2013. Retrieved 13 February 2013.
- ↑ Malloy, Jason (October 10, 2009). "Bearcats looking to limit chances against Lumberjack veterans". Truro Daily News. Retrieved 14 April 2012.
- ↑ "MHL Announces Awards for Best of 2011-2012". Retrieved 14 April 2012.
- ↑ "MHL Announces 2011-2012 Scholastic Player of the Year, CJHL RBC Player of the Year Nominee". Retrieved 14 April 2012.
- ↑ "Crosbys-visit-to-market-makes-fans-day". Retrieved 14 April 2012.