Riding a nine-game win streak, the Cochrane Generals did everything within their power to take a shot at finishing first or second in the south division of the Heritage Junior Hockey League, but the Coaldale Copperheads and Okotoks Bisons just wouldn't budge.

The Gens are home Thursday night against the last place Medicine Hat Cubs in the first game of the quarterfinals. Game two goes Saturday night in Medicine Hat and, if necessary, the series returns to Cochrane on Sunday.

The Gens have been smoking hot but weren't able to make up enough ground to get a first-round bye.

Gens head coach Derek Donald says the team accomplished what they set out to do by winning out the season but both the Copperheads and Bisons were true and steady.

Still, Donald believes it's a good thing for the team to be playing in the opening series to keep the momentum going. He says many players have stepped up their play and that's making it tough to choose the roster for Thursday night. They're also a healthy crew.

In the final two games of the regular season, Erik Garber was between the pipes after a strong run by Knute Loe. Donald says it will help keep him fresh for the playoff run and says they have confidence in both their goaltenders.

With 50 points apiece, the Coaldale Copperheads have claimed the south and the Okotoks Bisons second while the Gens finished just one point behind.  The High River Flyers rounded out of the top four and now face the Strathmore Wheatland Kings in a weekend series that opens this Friday in High River.

The Gens had a 24-11-1 record in the regular season, compared to the Cubs 12-22-2

The puck drops Thursday night at 8 p.m. in Totem One of the SLS Family Sports Centre.

Come cheer on our Gens in their run at the HJHL championship.