Quality Foods Oceanside Generals coach Jesse Hammill got a glimpse last weekend into the character of the players he will have for the coming Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League season.
The Generals played two preseason games over the weekend and, although they lost both to Campbell River Storm 6-1 and Comox Valley Glacier Kings 4-2, Hammill indicated that the team showed its potential.
“They are a young team and they didn’t back down,” said Hammill.
After giving up five goals in the first period against the Storm, Hammill said, the Generals continued to battle hard and didn’t lose focus.
“When we got into the second period and started to play the body, it started to look good and we actually won the second period 1-0 and outshot them.”
The lone General goal was netted by Brady Kay, set up by Brandon Roberge.
Hammill said the third period was pretty much a back-and-forth battle and the Storm scored only one goal.
“We weren’t playing our full roster, as we still had guys that are trying out (with Junior A programs),” said Hammill. “But it was good for our first game.”
Against the Glacier Kings, the Generals showed a lot more confidence, said Hammill. They took on a team that fielded most of its veterans and new guys.
Hammill said the Generals had some flaws in their game, but overall he was happy.
“They didn’t quit,” said Hammill. “We had three to four good chances in the third period to tie the game up. It just didn’t happen. So we’re gonna need to get some offense for sure.
“But overall, it was good.”
The Generals will play their first four games of the regular VIJHL season on the road. They will take on the Storm again on Sept. 1 at the Rob Brind’Amour Arena at 7:30 p.m. On Sept. 7, the Generals take on the Nanaimo Buccaneers at the Nanaimo Ice Centre at 7:15 p.m. and the following night they face the Westshore Wolves at The Q Centre at 7 p.m. On Sept. 15, the Generals travel to George Pearkes Arena to take on the Saanich Braves at 6:30 p.m.
The Generals will host their first home game on Sept 16 against the Comox Valley Glacier Kings at Oceanside Place at 7 p.m.