The Lacombe Generals are once again off to another Allan Cup Championship tournament.  Unfortunately, a fixture of the team for the last several years will not be joining them.  Team captain Don Morrison suffered a season, and possibly career ending neck injury in January.  He says that watching his team make their drive through the playoffs has been bittersweet.
 
“To watch it was tough but still means the same.  I’d rather be out there playing and battling with the guys but to see them battle the way they are makes me feel phenomenal.”
 
In 11 seasons with the team, Morrison has been to the Allan Cup nine times, helping to lead them to the finals in eight of those appearances. He says even though he won’t be on the ice for his tenth, he can still contribute.
 
“I can provide a lot of experience as far as what to expect, things like that.  Just a different angle. I can see things maybe differently from up in the stands than they can while they are down in the heat of the battle. So just different perspective and giving guys encouragement when they need it.”
 
Morrison says he would like to be on the ice when Lacombe hosts the tournament next year but with his injury he says chances of that happening are slim.  With his playing days possibly behind him, he says he will always be thankful for the impact the organization has had on his life. 
 
“When I came out of pro, they helped me find a job.  That was a start.  Then you just meet all these phenomenal people and it just becomes a network of just great human beings, period.  And it’s a family and I care deeply about everyone in this organization and always have.”
 
The captain will no doubt be in Rosetown to cheer on his team as they battle for their fourth Allan Cup title.  The quest begins with their first game against the host team on April 10th.