It seemed like the Lacombe AA Generals were headed for a win on Saturday, January 11th at the Gary Moe Autogroup Sportsplex when they were unfortunately swept away by the Fort Saskatchewan Chiefs in the third period. 

The Generals dominated the first period, with Scott Maetche and Jared Williams scoring two goals to kick things off.

In the second period, the dynamics changed on the ice as both teams became more aggressive, causing penalties for both sides. The Chiefs managed to get one in following a five on three power play. 

Head coach Jordan Koopmans noted the team just wasn’t playing in their prime midway through the game. 

“It was a really fast-paced first period, we played really aggressive, and I think we just kind of stopped moving our feet and using our stick and just [received] a lot of undisciplined penalties,” said Koopmans. 

In the third, Scott Doucet managed to get another goal for the Generals leaving the game at 3-1. However, all changed as the Generals began to rack up even more penalties. By the end of the third period, the Chiefs made a comeback and the game was tied up at 3.

In overtime, the Generals received yet another penalty that would ultimately cost them the game. The Chiefs were able to take advantage and score on that power play, coming out with the 4-3 victory. 

“Penalties and just plain indiscipline cost us the game. We started really well we just kind of in the latter half of the game played undisciplined and gave them life and it cost us in the end,” said Koopmans unimpressed about the outcome. 

With only three games left before playoffs, the coach hopes the Generals can manage their best on the ice moving forward and avoid the penalties they’ve been struggling with all season. 

“When we are most successful, we roll four lines, we wear down teams, and everyone is contributing. We’ve had fantastic goaltending so far and they gave us a good chance to win tonight so if they give us that chance to win every night and we stay out of the box there is no reason why we shouldn’t be winning,” explained Koopmans. 

The Generals hit the road for a game in Bonnyville on January 11th. Their next home game will be on January 17th against the Daysland Northstars at 8:15 PM at the Gary Moe Autogroup Sportsplex.