The Quality Foods Oceanside Generals will be back in action against the Peninsula Panthers at Oceanside Place this coming Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
The Generals didn’t have any scheduled VIJHL game throughout the week. It was a welcome relief for the Generals after playing their first four games of the season on the road. But they did hit the ice to hone the weak areas of their game.
Head coach Jesse Hammill said they have a young team and there’s a lot more for the Generals to work on.
Following their exciting home opener 3-2 victory in overtime against the Comox Valley Glacier Kings on Sept. 16, the Generals are 2-3.
Penalty killing has been their strongest asset which is currently at 86 per cent so far this season. They were short-handed 36 times and gave up five goals. However, their power plays have not been as effective, missing great scoring opportunities. In the last five games, the Generals had 36 man-advantage opportunities but were able to score only seven times. This was glaring against the Glacier Kings, particularly during a 5-on-3 situation.
“It’s a young team,” said Hammill after the game on Sept. 16. “They’re forcing shots that are getting blocked and they’re forcing passes. We’re not making the smart play.”
Hammill said the Generals need to be sharp against the Panthers, who currently have a 1-4 record. The Panthers will feature their newly acquired goaltender, 18-year-old Bryce Schiebel, who the team took in a blockbuster deal the Saanich Braves, Saanich in turn got 20-year-old skilled forward Trevor Owens.
The Generals, to encourage more people to come out and watch the games, have lowered ticket prices this season. Regular adult tickets are now $8 while seniors and students are $5.