With only a couple unscheduled games ahead, the Lacombe Generals are about to enter a bit of a grace period following the three-game sweep of the series with the Innisfail Eagles.

Although some players may need the time to rest and heal up from injuries endured during the series with both Innisfail and Stony Plain, the Generals have a lot of work to do in order to stay sharp for the Allan Cup that will be hosted by Lacombe in April.

Jeff McInnis, general manager believes that the Allan Cup will be possibly even more challenging heading forward.

“I think Innisfail didn’t have all their guns. I think they hope to have more players in the future, and I think we probably want a better roster as well,” said McInnis giving credit to the Eagles.

The Generals made it through their series games with Innisfail in an effort to utilize their speed and skill to their advantage. Being that Innisfail’s team had suffered a number of injuries, it is possible that victory came easily to the Generals in the short series.

“If you looked at our team I wouldn’t call us a physical team, I would call us more of a skilled team but call it what you want, we were able to put more offense on the board in the series.”

Playing regular hockey, or practicing regularly both have their advantages in preparing the teams for the Allan Cup. McInnis believes that the Generals will have to use their break to their advantage, by setting up a lot of team practices, and even a couple games in the meantime.

“We’re going to practice, what looks like twice a week moving forward. We’re going to play some games. We do have a provincial championship to sort out after the Stony Plain and Innisfail series is completed. That winner and the Generals have to play a game to determine who the provincial champion is prior to the Allan Cup.”

In the end, it doesn’t look like the Generals are going to get complacent while they wait for the games ahead.