The Cochrane Generals defeated the Mountainview Colts in the decisive fifth game 5-3, March 1, to move on to round two of the Heritage Junior B Hockey League (HJHL) playoffs.
After winning the opening game of the series 9-3 on Feb. 23 in Cochrane, the Generals moved into game two with too much confidence, said head coach Dana Boothby.
“We were pretty confident after that first game,” said Boothby. “The momentum really swung with game two.”
The teams were tied 5-5 with only seconds remaining Feb. 24 in Didsbury, when Mountainview’s Bobby Wills scored to even the series.
Game three saw the Colts pot seven goals to take the lead in the series.
“They just slowed us down with body contact, and our guys got nervous,” said Boothby. “Mountainview stuck with their game plan and took game three.”
Cochrane forward Mike Matlo scored his seventh of the series with only a minute-and-a-half remaining in another deadlocked third period to force the fifth and final game, March 1.
“It’s a rollercoaster of emotion, we went from rock bottom, to when Matlo scored the winner in game four, they were ecstatic,” said Boothby.
The Generals were down 4-1 heading into the third period in game five, but Boothby says the veterans of the team took charge.
“Our guys were in shock,” said Boothby. “Four of our 21-year-olds were making it clear to the rest of the team that they didn’t want that to be the last game of the season.”
The Cochrane club struck four times in the third to ice the victory and move on to face the Three Hills Thrashers in a best-of-seven series, which began March 2.
Boothby says while Three Hills, fresh off a five game stint against the Airdrie Thunder, will bring a different style of hockey, a tight schedule will be a tough hurdle to overcome.
“That is the difficult part, with our schedule we average two games a week during the regular season,” said Boothby. “If this series goes the limit, we will play seven games in nine nights. We are not conditioned for that, but both teams will be in the same boat.”
The Generals hold home ice advantage, a factor that helps boost the Cochrane squad.
“We have great fan support in Cochrane, and that really helps fire our guys up,” said Boothby.
