The AA Lacombe Generals managed to steal home ice advantage away from the Daysland Northstars, winning 2-1 on the road during the first game of the Gens’ NCHL playoffs.
“It was a close game with 2-1 being the score,” Gens Captain Jared Williams said.
Lacombe survived an early push an early push by the Northstars on the back of netminder Travis Yonkman.
“He made some big saves for us early and that was huge. We made it through the first little bit of the game. We stuck to our gameplan and we opened the scoring five minutes into the second period,” Williams said.
The Gens’ got lucky on that first one after a shot by Patrick Turville was rebounded by Williams.
”I was able to get a rebound off the defender which went off the post and then off the net,” he said.
Lacombe followed that up with a solid powerplay which resulted in a two-goal lead.
“We had just a good in zone possession. Kyle Sheen took a shot and Scott Doucette got the tip to go up 2-0. That was a big lead and we were able to hold on to it,” Williams said.
The Gens’ had some anxiety late after the Northstars scored on the man advantage to put them within one.
“It was intense hockey the whole way and it was intense the last two minutes up a goal and trying to be on the defensive side of the puck,” Williams said.
The Gens’ would hold on to win Game 1, which is huge coming back to Lacombe for Game 2 on Feb. 1 at 8:45 p.m.
“We knew no matter what, we had to win one there. To get the first one is such a step in the right direction. When we play like that, it shows we can hang with most teams.” Williams said.
Williams said the Gens’ are excited to play their first NCHL playoff game in Lacombe.
“It is nice to be going there coming off a positive. Home ice has been awesome for our whole team and our record shows we are better at home,” he said.
todd.vaughan@lacombeexpress.com
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