There was a positive and a negative side to the fact the Bentley Generals wrapped up their best-of-seven provincial senior AAA hockey championship against the Stony Plain Eagles in four games.
On the positive side they have three weeks to rest and be ready for the Allan Cup, which runs April 15-20 at the Red Deer Arena.
On the negative side they have three weeks off.
“In some aspects it would be better if we were going into the Allan Cup playoff hardened,” said Generals GM Jeff McInnis. “You look at B.C. and Saskatchewan and they’re still playing in tough series and that helps you go into the championships ready.”
McInnis tried to get Stony Plain to extend the series into April, but they didbn’t have the ice time.
“But we can’t worry about that. We’ll be healthy and will have six practices over the next three weeks to prepare. And some of the other teams will have time off as well.”
The Generals are playing at the top of their game as they showed against the Eagles.
“We are,” said McInnis. “I was pleased that the guys continued to play at a level they showed all season.”
The Generals also have a set lineup that’s been together most of the season.
“We added Jeremy Colliton and Trent Hunter later in the year, but mainly everyone has been together all season. They’re a tight group and there’s a winning atmosphere.”
Unlike previous years the Generals won’t add a goaltender for the Allan Cup, using Dan Bakala and Travis Yonkman. Bakala was in goal in the Generals 5-1 win Saturday that wrapped up the provincial title.
Bakala, a Calgary Royals grad who played three years with Bemidji State, posted a 5-0 record and an 0.80 goals-against-average during the playoffs while Yonkman had a 3.18 GAA.