The Lacombe AA Generals had a competitive weekend against the Red Deer Rustlers. Both teams played two tough home and home games in Lacombe on Friday, November 29th and in Red Deer on Saturday, November 30th.

On Friday, the Lacombe Generals claimed a 2-1 victory against the Rustlers in a tight neck and neck game. The teams were tied at 1 by the end of the second period, and it was the Generals’ Josh Smith who scored the game-winning goal in the third period for Lacombe.

“You know we really brought our A-game last night (Friday). It was a very physical two-way game,” said Jordan Koopmans, Head Coach.

Throughout the weekend the teams proved that they were quite evenly matched, with Saturday's game an even wilder contest.

Both teams were busy getting goals, but it remained pretty even with the game tied at 4 by the end of the second period, with shots on goal also tied at 22.

By the third period, penalties became a major disadvantage for the Generals, with the Rustlers managing to get ahead by one with less than five minutes left in the game.

“They had three power-play goals. We gave them a lot more and thank goodness our penalty kill was as good as it was tonight. We can’t stay in the box all night because it kind of killed any momentum we had. We would get one goal, and they’d get a powerplay if we can stay more disciplined then I think that’s definitely a different game,” said Koopmans.

The Generals pulled their goalie in an attempt to get the points back, but that only allowed the Rustlers to score another one empty-handed for the final nail in the coffin for the Generals.

In the end, the Rustlers claimed the second game-winning 8-6.

“We gave them too many chances they’re a good hockey club and when you give a good hockey club that many chances like that it’s going to end up biting you in the butt,” explained Kyle Sheen, who was really starting to feel the puck this weekend.

“Finally starting to feel better. It’s been a while since I’ve played some hockey, I’m getting back into it and starting to feel more and more like myself. Getting to play with guys like (Scott) Doucet and Chance Abbott and stuff. It just makes my job easier.”

Sheen played on the original Senior Generals AAA team last year and won the Allan Cup. This year, he hasn’t quite given up on what could be the very last fight for the Allan Cup.

“There’s always that chance I just have to play, kind of, for the enemy now. I’ve been in talks with Innisfail a little bit. I haven’t ruled out playing for them this year. We just kind of have to take it month by month and see how it goes,” said Sheen.

The Lacombe AAA Generals will have their official handover ceremony on December 4th.

Heading forward, the Lacombe AA Generals are in for a tough game against the Morinville Kings that currently sit at the top of the regular-season standings.

“They are a fast skating team and they’re really strong offensively so we got to stay out of the box, but I think we’ve had a close game already with them this year and I think it’s kind of anybody’s game,” said Koopmans.

The game will be in Lacombe on December 7th at 8:00 pm at the Gary Moe Auto Group Sportsplex.