Truro Jr. A Bearcats assistant coach Ryan Porter pictured in the middle of players participating in drills during a practice last week at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre. Photo by Richard MacKenzie /Truro NewsArticle contentTRURO – Truro Jr. A Bearcats head coach, Jon Greenwood, spread the words ‘familiarity’ and ‘comfortable’ throughout many of his thoughts about being in the position for year two.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle content“There is a lot more familiarity with more returning players and staff,” he said, the staff referring to himself and assistant coach Ryan Falkenham, who was also new to the organization last year.Article contentArticle contentArticle content“It gets you further ahead on the page right away. Last year, it was a lot of new faces getting to know each other and learning a new league, so it was a challenge early on – no question.Article content“But this year, we feel we’re already a lot further ahead because of so many returning players and staff. We’re very excited.”Article contentThe word ‘comfortable’ came in as he talked more about his own feelings, while watching his team go through a workout on Aug. 26.Article content“I think everything is a little bit more comfortable in year two,” he said. “For me, last year, I was new to the league, new to a lot of the rinks, there are some different rules in the league … so everything just feels a little more comfortable this year.Article content“And when players and coaches are more comfortable, they can just focus on doing their jobs and not worry about the little grey area things … it’s pretty much black and white.”Article contentArticle content Players working through a net-presence drill during a recent Truro Jr. A Bearcats practice at the RECC. Photo by Richard MacKenzie /Truro NewsArticle contentNoting that it was very early days in the process of selecting the team and being ready for the regular season, Greenwood said they’re excited about what they could have with the returning players and prospects.Article content“I don’t like to put a lot of expectations on it right now, but we’re really excited about how we look,” he said, adding it was a good off-season for general manager Jim Barbour and the scouting staff.Article content“I think some of the steps we took last year made us a team people want to come to,” he said. “We feel we made things a little easier with drafting and recruiting. Again, we’re excited about where we could be.”Article contentAnd as he noted his anticipation and excitement for the new season, Greenwood acknowledged he expects all the Bearcats’ rivals to be feeling the same way.Article content“Hard to say, I think everyone is excited about how their rosters could look and everyone wants to be better than they were last year,” he said when asked for an early impression of how the opposition looks. “Everyone, of course, wants to be improved.
Bearcats getting ready to pounce on 2025-26 MHL season
