The Bentley Generals faced a little bit of competition with the Fort Saskatchewan Chiefs last weekend, but were able to remain victorious with a final score of 6-3.
“We’re happy with the record so far (12-0), of course. We’ve been tested a little bit more lately but we’re finding ways to win even when we don’t have our best game. Tonight was a direct result of that,” said Generals Head Coach Ryan Tobler.
“We took to the old ‘bend-don’t-break’ rule and I think the guys did a good job of weathering the storm. They made a good push in the third and swung the game the right way.”
In the first period of play, Generals player Cam Maclise scored the first goal of the game. The team was quickly surpassed in points as Chiefs players Warren Toews and Brett Rock each scored a goal.
According to Tobler, it is rare for the Generals to be down in the first period and be off to a slow start. Both teams took a mere nine shots on opponents’ goals in the first period.
The second period heated up the ice, with a total of 21 shots on goal between both teams and four goals scored in total.
Bentley Generals players Josh Smith and Giffen Nyren scored goals in the first 10 minutes of the period.
The two General goals were followed by a retaliation goal by Brett Holmberg of the Chiefs. Within three minutes, the Generals took back the lead with another goal by Don Morrison.
Tobler said the game was a good demonstration of competition from the opposing team.
“We were tested tonight pretty good. As far as team competition goes, everybody’s given us a good game. Okotoks have been really tough – they’ve proven that. Innisfail has always given us a tough game even though the scores haven’t really been indicative of that. Stony (Plain) got new coaches this year and I think it looks like they’ve had good results so far since the change. They’ve gotten a few new players too. Everybody is giving us a good season and good competition.”
The second period was an intense time for goal scoring and for penalty time.
Both teams received numerous penalties, with Fort Saskatchewan player Doug Auchenberg taking the brunt of the time with a total of 16 minutes in the box due to high sticking, misconduct and roughing.
In the third period the crowd in the arena hollered with anticipation with the score being a close 4-3 in favour of the Generals.
However, the Generals pushed on to gain two more goals, bringing the final score to 6-3.
Maclise was given the title of star player for the game as he scored his second goal late in the third period. Teammate Torrie Dyck scored only 10 seconds after, securing the win.
“We haven’t been in situations like (being down after first period) very often, but you need to. You need to be tested like that and it’s good to see the guys respond. I’m proud of the way that we found a way to win without our best game,” said Tobler.