The Truro Bearcats, during the late 1920s and early 1930s, were one of the most outstanding hockey clubs in Canada. They won the Maritime championship in 1928, ’30, and ‘31. In 1928 and 1930, they met Montreal in the first leg of their quest for the famed Allan Cup, but were defeated both years.

In 1931, after winning the Maritime championship, several of the Bearcat players were disqualified, leaving the now-famous “Seven Survivors” to move into play-downs against McGill University (the Quebec representative). After defeating McGill, they went on to play Hamilton in the Allan Cup semi-final and lost. This was a remarkable feat considering the circumstances. A comparison would be if one of the NHL teams of today went into the Stanley Cup playoffs with only seven players.

1930-31 team members: Chuck Jemmett, Frank Lavigne, Owen Lennon, Avard Mann (manager), Pete Mill, Sammy Murdock, Ollie Proulx, Carson (Tubby) Ryan, Leo Sargent, Reg Sheilds.

Seven Survivors: Frank Lavigne, Owen Lennon, Avard Mann (manager), Pete Mill, Sammy Murdock, Ollie Proulx, Carson (Tubby) Ryan, plus Earl Wright (replacement goalie).