The Cochrane Generals junior B hockey team surrendered their second-place position in the Heritage Junior Hockey League's (HJHL) south division last weekend after a pair of defeats on home ice.
The Gens lost 3-1 to the visiting Okotoks Carstar Bisons on Saturday, in the fourth game between the two rivals of the 2022-23 season. Okotoks has been leading the HJHL all season, and currently boast a 28-2-0 record.
Cochrane faltered again the following day, tying the High River Flyers 3-3 and then losing in a penalty shootout. The second consecutive setback dropped the Generals' record to 21-8-3.
Cochrane's defeats allowed the Medicine Hat Cubs to overcome the Gens for second spot in the division standings. While the two teams are currently tied on 45 points, the Cubs have played three games fewer than the Generals, giving Medicine Hat the upper hand.
Differing from previous campaigns, this year's HJHL playoffs will feature all of the junior B league's teams. However, the top two teams in each division will earn a bye through the first round of the playoffs, meaning Cochrane has plenty to play for in the last month of the regular season as they strive to finish in the top two of the south division. Okotoks has almost mathematically clinched first place already, but second will likely be a toss-up between Cochrane and Medicine Hat.
The Generals will look to get back to winning ways when they host the Airdrie Techmation Thunder this Saturday. Puck-drop is slated for 3:30 p.m. at the Cochrane Arena. The Thunder are in third place of the north division with a 17-12-2 record.
After their game against Airdrie, Cochrane will then round out the month with road trip games against the High River Flyers and Coaldale Copperheads on Jan. 27 and 28, respectively.
For scores, schedules, and other info regarding the Generals, visit Heritagejunior.com
