The Cochrane Generals made it clear who deserved to sit out the quarterfinals in the last regular-season game on Feb. 9.

The Gens played a complete game when they shut out the Medicine Hat Cubs, 6-0. Combined with a 2-1 win the night before in Medicine Hat, and a come from behind win in Airdrie Friday night, they secured second in the south. That gives them a week off and home-ice advantage in the semifinals of the Heritage Junior Hockey League playoffs.

Head coach Kurtis Jones says it was a solid outing for the entire team.

"We couldn't score in Medicine Hat, and tonight we found a way," he says. "They (the Cubs) were undisciplined, and when we had our opportunities to score, we scored."

Jones says goalie Erik Garber turned in his best performances since early in the season. 

"He was outstanding. His best game was last night (Saturday). He played sensationally in Medicine Hat."

The Gens had just four penalties on Sunday night. In the second they had none and enjoyed the man advantage three times.

Saturday they had two. The Cubs had one, but it cost them a goal.

"That's what we want," says Jones. "We want to go hard between the whistles and after that nothing."

Playoffs won't impact the team's strategy.

"We have a game plan, and we'll stick to our game plan. We'll adapt to the little things they may have, but that's it," he says.

He believes everybody will be healthy and ready to go for playoffs. The only question mark may be Scott Fisher, who has been out the last few games.

In south division quarterfinal action, the Cubs face the Strathmore Wheatland Kings, and the Coaldale Copperheads go against the High River Flyers. They begin later this week and go no later than Feb. 19. 

North division playoffs started last night. The Mountainview Colts are playing the Stettler Lightning, and the Rocky Rams are playing the Sylvan Lake Wranglers.

The Airdrie Techmation Thunder and Red Deer Vipers earned byes.