Tyson Taylor
sports@pqbnews.com
Ten points are all that separate the Save-On-Foods Oceanside Generals from making the playoffs and they have a chance to make up ground this week with three games in four days.
Tonight the Generals will be in action against the best team in the VIJHL (Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League), the Victoria Cougars. The Generals are in Victoria tonight after practicing three days in a row.
“We just have to make sure we really take care of ourselves this week. It’s a big week for us in terms of working hard and having the chance to pick up some points in the standings means a lot. We’ll have a good chance to stay warm and hopefully get some momentum with the three games in four days so it should be good,” said 17-year-old Carlos Grouchy from Powell River.
The Generals will also have a new face in the lineup for the games this week as they picked up 18-year-old Keegan Hall from the Wichita Jr. Thunder in the Western States Hockey League. Hall, a native of Calgary, is looking forward to playing alongside his new teammates.
“They’re a good group of guys and I’m really looking forward to going to battle with them out there. We’re fighting for a playoff spot so it’s going to feel good to be part of trying to make it there with them. Everyone is really upbeat and excited with what’s going on so it makes it a little easier to come in to a group like that, it’s really nice,” Hall said.
After tonight’s game, the Generals have Friday off and will be back at it Saturday night as they host the Campbell River Storm, who sit atop the North Division. The Gens will then host Comox Valley for a matinée Sunday.
“It’s going to be a challenge but everyone deals with it at least once this season so it is what it is. We just have to take care of ourselves and we’ll be alright out there. It’s nice though because once the third game rolls around, everyone is loose and clicking so we’ll be in good form for that Sunday game if all goes well,” Qualicum Beach’s Liam Peel said.
Sitting 10 points out of the playoffs, the Generals are looking for a few more wins and couple those with some Saanich loses to help them get closer.
“We just need to keep playing the way we’ve been playing recently. We’re playing really well as a group and hopefully we can start breaking through when we’re on the road. We know we’re getting closer but we still have our work cut out for us so if we can keep doing the little things right, we’ll keep heading in the right direction,” captain Travis Flug said.
Tonight’s game is on 88.5 The Beach with Dom Abassi. Saturday night the puck drops at 7:30 as the Generals host the Campbell River. Sunday is a 2:30 start against Comox.