Generals win 11th straight, secure East Division banner

The Oshawa Generals had overtime heroics from Connor Lockhart on Friday night in Kitchener, pushing them to an 11th straight win while securing the club’s first East Division title since 2015.

Lockhart’s second of the night was the difference-maker in a 2-1 road win over the Kitchener Rangers, giving the 39-19-7-2 Generals their fifth Leyden Trophy in franchise history. Previous titles came in 2015, 1991, 1990 and 1987.

Make room for another banner! The @Oshawa_Generals are 2024 East Division Champions! pic.twitter.com/Ws0s4KtEki

— Ontario Hockey League (@OHLHockey) March 23, 2024

The Leyden Trophy was first presented in the 1975-76 season when the OHL was split into divisions with the expansion of the League to 12 teams. The award originated in recognition of Matt Leyden for his contribution to Junior hockey in Ontario.

The Generals have had a tremendous second half after being beset by injuries in the early stages of 2023-24. They’ve benefitted from great goaltending as OHL wins leader Jacob Oster has played to a 34-16-7-1 mark with a 2.86 goals-against average and .904 save percentage. Colorado Avalanche first round pick Calum Ritchie has produced at a 1.58 point-per-game clip, recording 76 points (26-50–76) over 48 games. Recently named Cogeco OHL Player of the Week Dylan Roobroeck has also been a big asset, literally and figuratively as the 6-foot-7 centreman has put up 69 points (24-45–69) over 67 contests.

The Generals prepare for the postseason, closing out their schedule on Sunday night at home to the Sudbury Wolves.

RIGHT WHERE WE BELONG. #GensNation | @OHLHockey pic.twitter.com/WqCZVoE963

— Oshawa Generals (@Oshawa_Generals) March 23, 2024