GrayJay Sports
A trio of prominent Truro businessmen have pooled their resources and started a team that will compete in the newly formed Nova Scotia Major Bantam Hockey League next season.
"We're really excited," said Dave Ritcey, a partner in SRM Hockey Inc. with Jon Stanfield and Greg Mullen. "We all have a vested interest, obviously, but we want to put kids on the ice."
The Truro Bearcats will represent the Fundy Region (Colchester and Cumberland counties) in the 12-team circuit, which was formed by Hockey Nova Scotia in late February.
However, at that time, Fundy was the only region not icing a team. Ritcey, Stanfield and Mullen took notice and went about getting the area included.
"We got together and chatted and we just felt like kids in this area should have the opportunity to play without having to travel to Pictou County or the city," Ritcey said. "We felt it was important for our kids to have the same opportunity as others in the province."
The team was approved in late March, but since it's a month later in starting than its counterparts, there are still plenty of issues to iron out.
The club is currently looking for a coach, which it hopes to have in place by May 30 to give the winning candidate time to plan for training camp in late August. The season is set to get underway in mid-September.
The league is holding a board of governors meeting this weekend. SRM then plans to have an information meeting with the parents of players interested in trying out on May 1 in Springhill and Truro outlining the team and league. Truro's meeting will be at the Best Western Glengarry from 3 to 5 p.m. while the Springhill session will be at the Anne Murray Community Centre from 10 a.m. to noon.
"We know there are a lot of questions out there and we want to get them answered as soon as possible," Ritcey said.
The team will practice and play in Truro the majority of the time, but will also use other rinks in the region.
The team will also be involved in the communities it encompasses through volunteer work and other activities, something Ritcey said he feels is important.
"We want to use this as a development tool for the kids on and off the ice," he said. "We want to create an identity and make sure each community knows what we're about.
"We want to develop good young people through hockey."
But Ritcey is also excited about giving young players the chance to play at the highest level possible.
"It's just a great opportunity for the kids," he said. "They are going to get the opportunity to play and compete at a higher level."