The Oceanside Generals advanced to the semi-finals of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League playoffs after sweeping the Port Alberni Bombers 4-0 in their best-of-seven game series.
The Generals eliminated the Bombers 5-1 in Game 4 on Monday night at the Alberni Valley Multiplex (March 6).
The Generals will go up against the winners of the Comox Valley Glacier Kings and Campbell River Storm playoff series in the semi-finals. The Storm lead the series 3-1. Game 4 was played Tuesday night (March 7) in Campbell River and the Glacier Kings edged out the host to extend the series to Game 5, which will be played at the Comox Valley Sports Centre on Thursday night (March 7).
The Generals have remained unbeaten in 27 games. Their unrelenting forechecking has been the big difference against the Bombers, who appeared to be improving in every game.
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Leading up to Game 4, the Generals had to overcome a solid effort by the Bombers on March 4 when they held Oceanside scoreless for two periods and also led 1-0 going into the third on March 4 at Oceanside Place.
The Bombers had an opportunity to add to their lead when the Generals took a penalty. But the Bombers made a crucial error that led to Brady Van Herk scoring a short-handed goal to tie things up 1-1. It was enough to rally the Generals, who went on to add two unanswered goals by Jacob Thomas and Brayden Ross to seal the win.
In Game 4, the Generals faced a determined Bombers squad, who played with desperation trying to salvage their season. But the Generals were not easy to contain this time. After scoring their first goal, netted by the league’s top scorer, Carter Johnson, more goals came from Sean Brendeland, Thomas, Dante Paziuk and Brady O’Brien. The Bombers were able to score a lone goal in the third on a power play netted by Aidan See.
The Generals remain unbeaten in 27 games.
In four games, the Generals fired a total of 195 shots against the Bombers and scored 20 goals, while giving up only six. The Bombers goalie Felix Plendl has been instrumental in keeping Port Alberni in the game as he turned away a total of 175 shots.
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