Lacombe Generals punched their ticket to the Allan Cup final with a win over the South East Prairie Thunder this afternoon.

Gens beat the Thunder 8-4, much to the delight of Head Coach Curtis Austring.

“Our guys stepped it up a level and made some plays when they had too. We were patient with our game today which was great,” said Austring.

“They’re a team that is very opportunistic, who try to capitalize on your turnovers and we managed the puck really well.”

Gens forward Myles Bell was a big reason for the win, scoring a hat-trick including two in the third period.

“He’s a pure goal scorer, plain and simple. When he shoots the puck at the net, it has a chance to go in every time,” said Austring.

“Today was no different. He’s got great vision and great hands and it almost seems like the game is in slow motion for him sometimes.”

After a strong first period, the Gens took a 2-1 lead into the second period, but the Thunder came out flying in the second scoring two goals and lead 3-2 heading into the final frame.

That’s when the Gens decided they had enough and took the game over scoring six third-period goals en route to a blowout.

“At the end of the day, the guys have faith in each other that we can pull through,” said Austring.

“We didn’t feel out of the game, we didn’t feel they were outplaying us so it was just a matter of us getting out there doing it.”

Teegan Moore scored twice in the game while Brandon Magee, Sean Robertson and Dennis Rix also chipped in for the Gens.

Gens will play the winner between Bouctouche Dodge Ram JC’s and the Grand Falls-Windsor Cataracts in the final. That game goes at 5 p.m. tonight.

No matter who they play, Austring said he likes their chances.

“I expect them to win. The guys have a put a lot of work into getting here and they care. When you care, you find a way and you make a way.”

“The guys are in the right frame of mind and are here to win.”

The Allan Cup 2017 final will be broadcasted tomorrow on TSN at 1:30 p.m.