The Cochrane Generals will be facing off against the Rocky Rams this Wednesday as the team enters the Heritage Junior Hockey League playoffs.
Playing in the northern division this year, as two other teams opted out of the league in response to COVID-19, 2022 will mark the first full season the Generals have played since the onset of the pandemic.
The 2022 season has been kind to the Generals, who sit at the top of the standings for the northern division with 28 wins and five losses throughout the regular season. That success is thanks, in part, to players Patrick Forde and Tristan Ripplinger, who between them have scored a whopping 82 goals and 74 assists.
Generals head coach Kurtis Jones, who has been with the Generals for three years and in his position for the past two years, said this season's success started several years ago.
“It didn’t just start through the season; it started three years ago,” he said. “It’s a step-by-step process for our coaching staff. In year one, we got a team handed to us and then in year two and three we’ve built on that to be successful.”
Jones said morale among the players is high heading into the playoffs, but they aren’t taking the Rocky Rams lightly.
“They work hard and don’t quit,” Jones said. “When you come into the playoffs, you need to be prepared because it’s a whole new season. Teams and players seem to have more focus going into the playoffs. We’re prepared to play anyone, but we’re not taking anything lightly… because any team can beat another on a good night.”
The Generals will play the Rams in a home game on Feb. 16 at 7:45 p.m. to launch their playoff season.
