The Lacombe AA Generals are preparing to go into games three, four, and maybe even number five in their series against the Daysland Northstars this weekend starting February 7th. The Generals were happy to pick up the first victory in the series, but their lead was squandered in game two when the Northstars managed to tie it up. 

General Manager and forward for the Generals, Jared Williams believes game two should have been theirs.

“After last weekend’s game, what we lacked was the attention to detail. We had more bodies than they did. In the first two games of the series, we kind of just rotated, basically. It was nice to get that first win on the road and we were short bodies for that game, and then they turned around and did the same thing to us,” explained Williams. 

The team will be going through some intense practices in preparation for the weekend’s games. 

“Got to work on a few things, attention to detail, defensive zones, things like that. We gave up a few too many breakaways and odd-man rushes in that game to give ourselves a chance. We can’t be giving up that many scoring opportunities and they capitalized.”

Williams has played the Northstars time and time again as the former Eckville Eagles and says they are a strong team. 

“They do have some guys who have played some places, they know how to play the game, protect the puck well, they play their own style of game, and they stick to their systems,” said Williams. 

The player also noted a bit of an age difference between the teams. The Northstars have a more mature team in terms of age and has it’s own benefits when it comes to experience on the ice. 

“Age is something that you don’t always factor in but it just kind of creeps in at the end it seems. That’s a reason why I think Daysland has won in the past and are continuing to win, they have those wise old guys building on the tradition,” said Williams. 

The NorthStar’s oldest player is 45-year-old defensemen, Rhett Dudley. The Generals appear to have a well-balanced team in terms of age. 

“You need those young guys with the emotions too. A guy on our team who plays with emotion—and I am so happy he does because we need guys like Josh Smith. Some of these older guys in their 30’s play with emotion, but they’re able to keep it in check as well. Scott Kallis is another guy who loves the game he has been huge for us all year,” said Williams. 

When it comes down to it, Williams believes the teams are pretty well-matched. He believes that whoever wants it the most will gain victory in the series. 

Given the challenging year and changing names, and facilities, Williams says the Generals are pretty happy with how the season has turned out so far. 

“Honestly, anything from here is kind of a bonus on the year. It’s not that it’s completed as is—you want to win provincials that’s about the only way a manager or coach is really happy is if you win everything. I got to take the positives where I can. It’s been a good year,” added Williams. 

The player believes the team is healthy and ready to work hard this weekend in hopes to move forward into semi-finals.  

The Lacombe Generals will be on the road for game three in Daysland at 8:15 PM on Friday, February 7th. They will be back on home ice at the Gary Moe Autogroup Sportsplex at 8:45 PM on Saturday, February 8th.

Game 5, if needed, will on Sunday, February 9th, in Daysland.