WINNING START TO THE NEW YEAR FOR THE GENERALS ON NEW YEAR’S DAY
The Oshawa Generals took on the North Bay Battalion today in a New Year’s Day matchup. After an already exciting morning of trades between Oshawa and the London Knights, the momentum stayed strong through the game an also ended in an exciting fashion, with a shootout win over the Battalion.
The first period of today’s game went by in a flash. The Battalion had the first power play of the game following a tripping call given to Brent Pedersen. The Battalion were also the first to score with a goal that bounced off a skate and into the net past Appleby. The goal was awarded to Alex Henriksson with assists to Liberati and McIvor. At 5:04, North Bay’s Bruce took a high sticking call but the Generals couldn’t put anything past Battalion goaltender, Jake Smith. The final penalty of the period was given to Desrocher who was called for holding but the Generals killed it off. Despite the Battalion having a 1-0 lead at the end of the first, the Generals had several amazing chances but couldn’t score a goal and outshot North Bay 16-10 in the first.
Again, the Generals were battling hard, hungry to score their first goal of the game. When Poirier was sent to the penalty box on a tripping call, the Generals took advantage of the opportunity and Cole Cassels scored his 13th goal of the season, assisted by Vande Sompel and Harding. Today’s game was Cassels first time playing on home ice following his 10-game suspension back in November. In addition, Dal Colle’s assist marked his 50th point of the season and he remains on an 18 game point streak. At 15:16 Hunter Smith took a turn in the penalty box on a roughing call to Brenden Miller but the Generals again killed it off. Steege had a breakaway chance but Appleby was able to shut him down. With less than a minute remaining in the period, what looked like a goal by North Bay was waved off as no goal and the period ended with the score still tied 1-1.
The third period saw a lot more back and forth play between the Generals and the Battalion. Both teams were eager to score one more goal and earn themselves a lead but neither team could find the back of the net. Despite the Generals outshooting the Battalion throughout the game, Jake Smith prevented any more goals from being scored. The game ended with the score tied at one a piece and then headed into overtime.
The Generals had countless chances during overtime but again couldn’t produce a goal. After five minutes without a goal from either side, both teams prepared for a shootout. After four rounds without a goal, it was round five where the game ended. Sam Harding put the only goal of the shootout past Jake Smith to win the game for the Generals, marking their 28th win of the season. Jake Smith who faced 44 shots from the Generals took first star of the game. Ken Appleby who played a huge role in securing the win for the Generals tonight was second star and Brent Pedersen was awarded third star of the game.
The Generals are back on home ice Sunday, Jan. 11 to take on the Mississauga Steelheads at 6:05 p.m. To purchase tickets, click here, visit the GM Centre Box Office, or call 1-877-436-8811.
Shots on goal: Generals (44) Battalion (29)
Molson Canadian Three Stars: Jake Smith (1) Appleby (2) Pedersen (3)
Final score: Generals (2) Battalion (1)
