The Save–On–Foods Oceanside Generals were busy last week with three games in three days.
After snapping their 11 game losing streak against the Comox Valley Glacier Kings, the Generals beat the Nanaimo Buccaneers last Thursday by a score of 5-4, giving them two straight wins.
The Generals would then lose, in overtime, to the Kerry Park Islanders on Friday by a score of 2-1 and closed out their busy week with a 9-5 loss to the Campbell River Storm on Saturday night.
At the end of it all, the Generals earned three of a potential six points from last week (five including the game against Comox Valley), which is something this team hasn’t been able to do in it’s two previous seasons.
“Their hard work is coming through,” head coach Brad Knight said. “Getting five points in four games is something this organization hasn’t seen in quite some time and I think it’s a refreshing thing for our fans.”
“These guys have been working hard every game and we finally were on the right side of a couple of games here,” Knight said. “I’m happy to see the effort pay off for these kids.”
Friday night against Kerry Park could have been a different result all together, as the Generals appeared to score a goal to tie things at 1-1, but after review, the goal was disallowed.
The Generals would tie it minutes later with a goal that counted but would go on to lose in overtime.
“It’s tough when that happens,” newly
named captain Cam Nickerson said. “It was originally called a goal, then the referees had a meeting and then it was waved off.”
“There’s nothing we can do about it once they make their decision but that game definitely could have had a different outcome for us.”
Sixteen-year old Matt Henwood was in net for three of the last four games for the Generals, earning two wins in three games.
“He’s played very well,” Knight said. “For a 16-year-old kid in this league, it can be tough but for a goalie, it’s even tougher. He’s handled it all in stride and I think those last three games really gave him a boost in his confidence and put a lot of confidence in the rest of the team as well.”
Saturday night saw more than it’s fair share of goals, for both teams, as the Generals took on the Storm. Josh Harvey continued his amazing play, earning 11 points in his last five games. Ethan Sundstrum had a hat trick and an assist for four points while Mathieu Jallabert had a goal and four assists for five points on the night.
The Gens are in action Wednesday night for the first half of a home-and-home against the Westshore Wolves in Victoria. Saturday night (7:30 p.m.) is the second half, back at Oceanside Place. On Sunday afternoon (2:30 p.m.), the Gens host the Comox Valley Glacier Kings.