The Heritage Junior Hockey League (HJHL) is the top Junior B loop in Western Canada and third-best in the nation, according to a junior hockey website.
In a July 23 post, The Junior Hockey News stated: “Alberta B hockey is good. They really try to move kids on to the AJ (Alberta Junior Hockey League), and they have success. From there, many of them move on to NCAA and university.”
As a charter member of the HJHL, the Cochrane Generals appreciate the recognition the 14-team league in which they play received.
“This article coming out is a very proud moment for the HJHL and the Generals alike,” said third-year Generals general manager Jacqueline Hurlbert. “The article substantiates rankings based on player development. This rings true with the core values of the Generals organization.”
Over the last eight seasons, the team’s mandate has been to give Cochrane-and-area players a place to play junior hockey. Last season’s roster featured 16 Cochrane players with others coming from Canmore and Calgary. Rosters for the two seasons prior to last had the same ratio of local and area players.
“From coaching staff up to our team’s executives, the Generals’ main goal is to develop players. In just the same way as the Generals promote the growth of local hockey players to represent Cochrane’s team, the team wants local players to choose the Generals instead of rival leagues,” Hurlbert explained. “I hope that this article resonates with players considering which upcoming camps they attend, and gives a sense of pride to all of our veteran players.”
Generals’ training camp for the 2014-15 season goes Sept. 6-7 at Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre.
