'It’s pretty cool because I always wanted to play for the Bearcats, my hometown team'

G Blackmore is playing with the Truro Bearcats. (Julia Stark-Urquhart)

A Millbrook First Nation teen is carrying his stellar play during the major midget hockey season on to a more elite level after being called up by the Truro Bearcats during their playoff run.

G Blackmore led the Nova Scotia Eastlink Major Midget Hockey League in scoring this season with the Pictou County Weeks, notching 75 points in just 37 games.

But when the Weeks were eliminated in the playoffs, the season didn't end for Blackmore. Instead, the 17 year old has been brought on board the Truro Bearcats of the Maritime Hockey League.

"It's pretty cool because I always wanted to play for the Bearcats, my hometown team," said Blackmore. "It's a good opportunity for me, it's faster than midget but I think I'm playing pretty good there."

He goes by G

Blackmore's given name is Gerald, the same as his father and grandfather, but he goes by G.

G Blackmore. (Truro Bearcats)

He is making the most of his call-up. He's already scored four goals in six playoff games with Truro.

The Bearcats lead the Amherst Ramblers in the Maritime Junior Hockey League's South Division final 2-0. Game 3 in the best-of-seven series is scheduled for Wednesday night in Truro.

"For him to step right into our lineup with a veteran group of guys and contribute right away, that's impressive," said longtime Truro coach and general manager Shawn Evans.

8-game stint in the Q

Earlier this season, Blackmore had an eight-game stint with the Moncton Wildcats of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and registered five points. He'd like to be in Moncton again next year.

"Moncton is a good organization and they treat you very well and I was happy to get an opportunity with them," said Blackmore, a Grade 12 student at Cobequid Education Centre.

"I'm going to go and try and make Moncton next year and if that doesn't work then I'll come back to the Bearcats and play there."

'They support me in everything I do'

Blackmore said he's proud to represent his community of Millbrook. He's also very appreciative of the support he's received from the people on the reserve.

"Every Junior A game and Q-league game I've played in this year there's probably been 50, 100 people there watching me who are from Millbrook," said Blackmore. "It's a great community and they support me in everything I do."

Blackmore is hoping he can help the Bearcats win the league title and advance to the Fred Page Cup, the Eastern Canadian Championship tournament, to be held next month in Terrebonne, Que. The winner of that event moves on to the RBC Cup in Cobourg, Ont.