Evaluation and decisions will be the main chores to be addressed over the next few weeks.
A big decision was reached late last week with the naming of Ryan Falkenham as a Bearcat Assistant Coach.
The Halifax native was a member of the 2013 Moosehead Memorial Cup team, and a former Moosehead Captain.
Following his playing career, he served two years as an Assistant with Drummondville, one season with Dalhousie Tiger hockey before a season as Head Coach at Citadel High. For the last two years he was Head Coach with the Junior “B” Liverpool Privateers/South Shore Lumberjacks.
For sure, the coaching staff awaits the start of Training Camp. It kicks off Sunday, August 25 with Registration, meetings and a Meet and Greet BBQ with players, parents, billets, volunteers and staff.
Come next Monday, it’s all business. The thirty-plus prospects will be divided into two groups, each with a workout and practice. This begins at 12:30, and it’s repeated again on Tuesday.
Intra-squad games will be held Wednesday and Thursday beginning at 2:00 pm, followed by a pair of Exhibition games against the Valley Wildcats, August 30th in Truro, then in Berwick the following night.
The opening of Camp constitutes the first time this group of returnees, draft picks and off-season acquisitions, assemble for the common purpose of making the Bearcat roster.
It’s also important to keep in mind that fifteen players on the Bearcat Protected list are attending QMJHL Camps this week. How many trickle back is always a concern.
But, for all staff and players alike, the camp is a fresh start. The task for the players is to make management’s decisions tough ones.
Season tickets for current ticket holders are on sale this week. New Season ticket holders can purchase theirs beginning August 26.
Brookfield, NS
5’10”, 175 lbs
20, Forward
Bearcat-of-the-Week honours go to Brookfield native, Andyn Furmidge, who returns for his fourth and final junior season. An undrafted walk-on, his game has grown steadily since his 2021-2022 rookie year. He’s been a consummate team player, perhaps a throw-back who knew what needed to be done. An injury late last January ended his season, creating a hole basically unfilled. He looks to cap off his career in fine style.