They say there’s no time like your first time … and Cochrane Generals rookie Michael Hodges knows that feeling first-hand after scoring his first goal for the team Saturday in front of a hometown crowd.
“It’s pretty crazy,” said a happy Hodges after the game. “It’s a life changer.”
The 18-year-old’s inaugural goal came at 4:26 in the third period against the Medicine Hat Cubs. Though it was Hodges’ first, it was the team’s 10th of the night, culminating in a final score of 10-3.
Hodges had played in nine games so far this season without a goal and said he was starting to feel the pressure – especially as more and more teammates added numbers into their own G columns.
When he did pop the puck into the net for a “grinder goal” – he said he was able to exhale.
“It was like, finally,” he said. “It’s like I can actually be part of the team.”
Being part of the team has been a goal and a dream for Hodges since he was a hockey-loving kid, hanging out at the rink and watching the Generals play.
“I remember coming in to get pucks signed when I was six or seven,” he remembered. “I’ve always wanted to play for the Generals. Even last year, watching the playoffs, (I thought), ‘Wow. I want to be out there.’”
This summer, that dream came true when head coach Dan Gendur invited the 5’ 11” forward to training camp. He officially signed on as a member in the fall.
“We have been happy with Michael so far. He works hard every day at practice and is improving,” said Gendur. “He is versatile as he can play defense and forward, which is always great to have as a coach.”
GM Jacqueline Hurlbert said Hodges’ journey to the Gens is a textbook example of how the team nurtures and supports homegrown talent.
“Going from a fan to going to a player … it’s every kid’s dream to play for your hometown team. That’s everything,” she said. “The youth of Cochrane develop and grow and play together.”
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