It was a fresh start between the Cochrane Generals and Okotoks Bisons last night at Totem One, unlike the rocky relationship early last season. The result was some thrilling fast, close-checking action.

A 3-2 win over the Okotoks Bisons has left the Coaldale Copperheads as the only team to beat the Cochrane Generals in the early goings of the HJHL season.

Shots were even and it came down to a few extra bounces in favor of the Gens. Like the Gens, the HJHL defending champions have plenty of new talent on their roster and we can expect intense action whenever the two match up.

At 7:24 in the first, Dawson Hollinhead snipped his first goal in a Gens uniform to open the scoring. It wasn't until five minutes into the second, that the Bisons' Lucas Watkins responded to the the game to tie the game at one.

Dawson HollinsheadBison Jason Law attempts to catch Dawson Hollinshead, who snipped his first as a Gen to open the scoring 7:24 in the first.

Gens captain Tristan Ripplinger ripped a pair for the Gens. The second, a powerplay goal 26 seconds into the third, went on to be the game-winner.

Tristan RipplingerGens captain Tristan Ripplinger had two goals on the night.

The Bisons scored on a six-man attack with 1:50 remaining to bring them within one. Despite plenty of pressure on Gens goalie Braydon Yonin, lightning didn't strike twice for the Bisons when they pulled goalie Grady Nicholas for a second time in an attempt to force overtime.

Gens associated coach Erik Krigel says they focussed heavily upon defensive play and building team confidence in preparation for what they knew was going to be a tough game.

"We didn't go out thinking that this is Okotoks, we're going to be behind, and we're going to lose. We went out with the attitude that we're going to work hard, we're going to outwork them, and we're going to win the game." 

Gens captain Ripplinger says a total team effort led to the win.

"We came to play, we worked really hard, and I think we played well through the second and third periods. It's not an individual win at all. I think, as a team, we worked well from the net up, and we were lucky to get the win, so we're really happy about that."

gensTempers flared a little after the buzzer had sounded, but was brought quickly under control.

Now with a 4-1 record and tied with the Bisons at the top of the HJHL south division, the Gens are off for the rest of the Thanksgiving weekend. They're looking for a better performance in their upcoming home game against the physical Copperheads on Oct. 14.

The Gens opened the scoring on a powerplay goal last Sunday in Coaldale, but it was all Copperheads after that in the 4-1 loss.

"It's a learning experience for our young guys to play a game against a team like that," says Jones. "They're a very physical hockey team, so the young guys have to understand that. We were off, we just couldn't catch a pass, couldn't make a pass, and they played a very good system, so good on them."

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