The Cochrane Generals offence lost its punch in the second half of the game but held on to beat the Strathmore Wheatland Kings, 6-4, last night at the Cochrane Arena.

The Kings scored first on a powerplay and that goal seemed to spark a six-goal spree by the Gens that gave them a 6-1 lead until late in second. With five minutes remaining in that period, the Kings once again capitalized on a power play.

The Gens stalled in the third with sloppy defensive play and opened the door for many scoring opportunities for the Kings. A short-handed goal in the first minute of the third was followed by a second at the halfway point. Meanwhile, Kings backup goalie Riley Stovka dimmed the red light and left the Gens without reason to celebrate. 

It could have been a different story.

A fifth goal by the Kings was deemed a no-go by the refs and Kyle Bracko failed to solve Gens goal Knute Loe on a penalty shot. Loe's solid play was key in the third.

Scott Shugg and Harry Olser both scored a pair for the Gens and Ben Davison scored a single. It was a two-point night—one goal, one assist-- for Gens ‘C’ Brandon Aab in his first game back after a lengthy illness and showed he hasn't lost his spark.

Zach Cugnet, Chris Sambrook and Taylor Girard each had a pair of assists and single helpers went to Ryan Davis, Jordan Marks, Carter Cugnet, Brandon Bain and Takuro Okado.

Tale-Telling Games Ahead

The Gens are on a five-game winning streak and have continued to firm up their control of third in the south division of the Heritage Junior Hockey League. Their next two games will speak volumes as to whether a second place finish is in the cards.

The Gens are on the road today to take on the smokin’ hot Coaldale Copperheads. The all-star game goes tomorrow in Airdrie. Brandon Aab, Chris Sambrook and Jordan Marks will be representing the Gens in the battle for supremacy between the north and south divisions.

There’s no rest for the Gens. They’ll be playing their third game in five games when they host the Okotoks Bisons in another important matchup. The two teams split the first two games.

Tuesday night’s game should be a thriller. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Cochrane Arena.