The Cochrane Generals came out fired up and determined to get some redemption against the High River Flyers in a fast-paced, physical game on Jan. 20.

The Gens scored three in the first and three more in the final two periods to shutout the Flyers, 6-0 in a solid 60-minute effort. In their first game of 2024, the Gens were surprised by the surging Flyers, 10-3.

Head coach Kurtis Jones says it's the performance he's been looking for from his talented squad and hopes it will continue with a battle raging for playoff spots. Currently the Gens are in fourth, good enough for a playoff spot at this point, but he wants to see them rise in the standings.

"Other than when we played Okotoks, that's our first game that we played 60 in a long time," says Jones. "We played well in Medicine Hat for 40 minutes and tonight we expected the guys to play 60, and they did."

Friday night in Medicine Hat, the Cubs surged past the Gens in the third period, scoring unanswered four goals to pave the way to a 6-4 comeback win.

Adding fuel to the Gens bench was the Flyers 4-0 win over the Okotoks Bisons the night before. It was the first home loss of the season for the Bisons, and only the third of the season for the top team in the HJHL south division.

QuaifeJames Quaife scored two of the Gens first period goals and assisted on another.

James Quaife was first star in the Saturday game, with two goals and assist.

"I think we bounced back pretty good. We had a tough loss yesterday with six minutes left, and I think we rallied together as a team. We came in a little bit earlier and I think everyone was just ready to go and played a really good game."

maddianIt was the third shutout of the season for Gens goalie Isaias Maddigan.

It was rookie goaltender Isaias Maddigan's ninth win of the season and third shutout. A cut just above the wrist in a Strathmore game saw sidelined him for a few games earlier this season.

"The team really battled for me, and blocked a lot of shots," says Maddigan, "I think I finished with only 17 shots, so it was great, and it made my night easier. Everyone backtracked and were good in in our d-zone."

The Flyers are currently last in the south division, but a playoff berth isn't out of the picture yet, sitting three points behind the Strathmore Wheatland Kings with two games in hand. 

The Gens are in a better position, but this isn't the time to get comfortable. 

"We don't have an easy schedule to finish off, so every game is a game and everything's playoff hockey," says Jones.

The Gens have nine games remaining in their regular schedule, and finish with two games against the Cubs and one against the Bisons.

Jones says they've been taking different approach to coaching in hopes of getting a better end result.

"We've changed a little on the coaching side of things in the way we communicate. We want to play a 60-minute game with no negativity and being positive. There shouldn't be any negativity in the game of hockey. We should just play."

The Gens are playing in a fundraising game against some of the best sledge players in the Calgary area on Friday night at Totem One. Saturday, they are on the road to face the Coaldale Copperheads, then host the Rocky Rams in a Sunday matinee.