One step forward, one step back.
It’s trending, at least as far the Cochrane Generals are concerned.
The squad defeated host Strathmore Wheatland Kings 3-2 in an overtime shootout Oct. 25 after dropping a 3-2 OT decision to host Red Deer Vipers on Oct. 24 in Heritage Junior Hockey League play.
Coming out of the weekend, and their sixth October road game, with a split will have to do.
It’s still a lack of goal scoring keeping the Generals from marching away from the competition.
“It seems like every game we go into is a low-scoring battle,” Generals head coach Evan McFeeters remarked. “In the long run it’s going to help our team that we’re getting this experience early in the season because these games are going to come later in February and March.
“If we can find ways to win to come out on the positive end of things it’s a good sign because good hockey teams find ways to win.”
With 35 goals-against in 11 regular-season contests, Cochrane is the top defensive club in the Heritage League’s Southern Division. But with 28 goals for, the Generals need to pump more powder into their ammo.
On the positive side, top-line recruit Colby Chartier scored his first for the Gens in Strathmore and Brett Berndt potted a regulation goal and the shootout winner. It’s these top guns McFeeters wants to see lighting the lamp, so it’s heading in the right direction.
“We’re definitely going to work on scoring goals in the next couple of weeks,” McFeeters said. “The team is committed to keeping the puck out of the net. The goaltending’s been very reliable all season long.
“Now it comes down to putting an extra puck in the net, getting that two-goal lead late in the game rather than trying to hold onto a one-goal lead.”
