The regular season has come to an end in the Allan Cup Hockey West League, and the Lacombe Generals have locked in the 2nd seed.

Looking back on the season that was, Forward Kyle Bailey says they had a slow start, and seemed to keep getting in their own way.

“We’re very fortunate to have all that talent in this locker room, and we sometimes get away from doing the simple things that make you a successful hockey team. Like trying to beat guys one on one, or not managing the puck properly.”

But Bailey says as the year progressed, they refined their game and played a simpler, smarter brand of hockey which led to a 9-game win streak.

“We’re not always trying to make the 10 out of 10 fancy play, right? Sometimes the 7 out of 10 play works, and it’s more productive for our team. So, it’s kind of been a mindset change for us.”

With their eyes set on a prize of the Allan Cup, they’ll have to do so without Captain Don Morrison, who will miss the rest of the season with a neck injury.

Bailey says their captain will be greatly missed, but they’re using his injury as a motivation.

“Kind of the heartbeat of our team, he’s played for this team for 10 or 11 years now. He’s our captain and a huge part of what we do both on and off the ice. So, situations like that, hopefully as a group it strengthens our resolve as far as binding together. And we still have a common goal of trying to first win provincials, then a national title.”

Next action for the Generals is tomorrow night (Feb 9th) at 8:30 at the Gary Moe Auto Group Sportsplex as they take on the Stony Plain Eagles.  The winner of that matchup will head to Rosetown on Saturday (Feb 10th) to face the Redwings for the league championship.  The Gens will then begin their road to the Allan Cup with a best of seven provincial semifinal series against the Fort Saskatchewan Chiefs beginning February 18 on the road.