Cochrane's Generals head into 2017 at the top of the HJHL Southern Division with 45 points.

Dan Gendur, Generals Head Coach, says after a loss to the Banff Academy Bears back on December 4, the boys came back strong with double wins over the weekend.

"I think it was a bit of a wake up call for us. We had two fairly bad games against Banff this year and and as staff we've been kind of stressing to them we don't have very much time left before playoffs; so we need to buckle down in practice and games, and get ready for playoffs."

The Gens crushed both the High River Flyers 10-1 on Friday, December 9 and shutout Medicine Hat Cubs 9-0 on Saturday, December 10.

"We played very well. It all kind of started with our best week at practice the entire year and it translated over to the games."

 Gendur share the boys have one more game against Strathmore Wheatland Kings December 17 before taking a well deserved break.

"The Christmas break will be good, give the guys some time with their families a little R and R, we only have 10 games after the Christmas break so it is getting down to crunch time.

Gendur says a even though they are at the top of their division, their competition is closing the gap.

"Okotoks has playing very well, I think they've won 9 games in a row so they are starting to climb. We have got two games left against Okotoks and two games left against Coaldale; we control our own destiny if we win those game we'll be first in our conference."

Puck drops in Strathmore, Saturday, December 17, 8 pm.