The Cochrane Generals will need to be mentally and physically prepared for a gruelling three-game weekend schedule.

Tonight, they're on the road in Three Hills to take on the Thrashers in the first of a home-and-home series.

The two teams face off Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Cochrane Arena for the rematch.

Sunday, the Rocky Rams are here for a 3 o'clock date.

Gens assistant coach Erik Krigel says this is their first three-game weekend of the season, and even though their opponents are lower in standings, it's going to be tough.

"We need to be mentally and physically prepared for the weekend," says Krigel. "It's not going to be an easy weekend."

The Gens blew out the Thrashers 15-1 in their first meeting of the season in mid-October. Krigel says it's because the team did everything right.

"Going into this weekend, we can't take them lightly," he says. "We have to do everything right again to be successful."

Every point matters in the tight race for first in the north division of the Heritage Junior Hockey League.

The Red Deer Vipers and Sylvan Lake Wranglers are both breathing down their neck, each with only three losses on the season. 

New forward may make his first appearance 

If the paperwork is finalized, Winger Nicolas Chauvin may make his first appearance in a Gens uniform this weekend.

Chauvin, 18, attended the Gens camp and was offered a position but opted to join the Lake Cowichan Kraken of the VIJHL. He wasn't happy with the billeting situation there and contacted the Gens. In the meantime, a position became available on the Gens.

"He gave us a call and asked if we had room. The timing was right, and we're very happy to have him on board," says Krigel.

Chauvin played his minor hockey in Calgary.

He'll be wearing Number 25 for the Gens.