The Cochrane Generals were stunned over the weekend as they fell to a 5-2 defeat against Three Hills Thrashers in Heritage Junior Hockey League (HJHL) action.
Gens went into the game having won their last four in a row, but came up short against a Thrashers team seeking revenge for the 6-3 defeat the last time these two sides met.
Thrashers opened the scoring in the first period through a power-play goal and then proceeded to score four more unanswered in the second period.
Gens grabbed one back late in the second through Connor Rendell (assisted by Chad Harrison and Logan Brown). Slater Ransom (Craig Packard with the helper) added a second in the third period, but the damage had already been done as Gens fell to a shocking defeat.
“We’re a little stunned,” said Gens head coach Evan McFeeters.
“It wasn’t our best effort. It’s a wake-up call to the team. We seem to be having a bit of trouble adjusting to the road game. It’s something that we’re going to have to figure out before we head to Blackfalds this weekend. That’s our last game before the holiday break, so we’re looking at it as an absolute must win. We want to keep the lead in our division going into the New Year.”
Gens next host an exhibition game against Generals Alumni on Dec. 19 at Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre (puck-drop is 5 p.m.).
“We’ve put on a game for the last six years between current players and alumni,” McFeeters said.
“It’s a nice bit of team bonding before the holiday break. The older guys look forward to it throughout the year.
“It’s a fun day getting the ex-players out who have won championships in the past, so they can meet with a new group that will hopefully achieve as much as they did.”
Sunday, Dec. 20, 3:30 p.m., Blackfalds: Gens (18-5-1, 1st Southern Div.) at Blackfalds Wranglers (9-9-3, 4th Northern Div.).
Gen’s points leader Slater Ransom (18 goals, 18 assists in 22 games) has continued his stellar points streak , picking up one of Gen’s goals against Thrashers to make it three goals in his last two games.
Gens lead the HJHL in total powerplay percentage with 25.19 per cent, scoring 34 goals in 135 opportunities. The team are also seventh overall in penalty kill percentage with 80.49 per cent, allowing 24 power-play goals against.
Gens’ previously scheduled game against Medicine Hat Cubs has been cancelled due to exams.
The Wranglers game is the last one before the Christmas break. Gens don’t play again until Jan. 3 against High River Flyers.
Gens went 0-1 against Wranglers last season, and are 1-0 against them this campaign.
