TRURO - If the old adage ‘offense wins games, defense wins championships' is true, then the Truro Bearcats appear to have their bases well covered.
The Bearcats are off to a blazing 13-0-0-1 start, thanks to a high-flying offence that is averaging almost five goals per game and a defense that has allowed a paltry 23 goals in 14 contests. Both statistics are tops in the Maritime Junior Hockey League.
"We're all gelling well and I think that has a lot to do with it," said Bearcats forward Philip Fife, who has two goals and three assists in his last four games. "And everyone's buying into (head coach) Shawn's (Evans) systems."
The Bearcats will be tested tonight when they host the Summerside Western Capitals (Colchester Legion Stadium, 7:30 p.m.). Sunday, the Bearcats entertain the lowly Metro Shipbuilders for a 7 p.m. start.
The Capitals (11-2-2-0) are the lone team to hand the Bearcats a loss this season, via a 2-1 shootout decision on Oct. 21 on the Island.
"I think key to beating Summerside is just outworking them and hitting lots," said Fife. "They're a very good team and you can't give them odd-man rushes."
The Shipbuilders (2-14-0-1) come to town ripe for the picking. Truro thumped Metro 8-2 last Tuesday in Dartmouth and has won all three meetings against the Shipbuilders, outscoring them by a combined 22-6 margin.
And while the Bearcats are clearly the better team, Fife said it's important to maintain the same work ethic that has made the club successful this season.
"We have to do the same thing we do against every other team - just work hard. Anything can happen - that's hockey."
