After an uninspiring loss in Game 3 that saw the AA Lacombe Generals fall behind early en route to a 6-0 drubbing by the Daysland Northstars, the Gens’ were hoping to have a better start in order to stay alive in their five-game first round NCHL series.
Luckily for Lacombe, they would find their stride early opening up a 3-0 early — eventually leading to a 7-1 final to keep their playoff dreams alive.
Patrick Turville, who had two goals on the night, said commitment was the difference between Games 3 and 4.
“We were ready to battle tonight. I don’t think last night we were ready to be at the level you need to be at in the playoffs,” he said
The Generals would score three in the first, but only two of them counted. Kyle Sheen and Ian Munro would both find the back of the net — giving Lacombe the early energy they needed to rebound.
That energy would continue early in the first when General Scott Doucet beat Netminder Connor Dobberthien to make it 3-o. Daysland, this time, would have the answer when Tyler Keller beat Mackenzie Engel to put the game within two.
Jubilation would be short-lived for Northstars due to an immediate response from Turville, who took a pinpoint pass from Chance Abbott to reestablish the three-goal lead.
“That was all him (Abbott). I just had to tap it in. He has great wheels and he is pretty easy to play with,” Turville said.
It looked like the Generals would extend their lead to four, but Vince Connon’s goal would be called back — the second no-goal call of the game.
The Generals carried their 4-1 lead into the third and their offensive brilliance would continue.
Doucet and Turville would broth grab their second goals of the game, while Jared Williams would add a goal of his own — leading yo a 7-1 final.
“That was a big one. Right from the start we came out good and kept it rolling. We scored on our chances and Mac (Mackenzie Engel) played good in net,” Turville said
Engel picked up the win, stopping 25 shots in the process.
The Generals win sets up a do-or-die Game 5 in Daysland, with the puck dropping at 3 p.m.
“We need to come out with that effort and come out ready to battle. We need to be desperate and we know it will be a battle. They will come out as well, so we have to be ready to go to war,” Turville said.
todd.vaughan@lacombeexpress.com
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