It may have been cold outside but there was plenty of heat in Totem One last night. Left, Gen Noah Nardella and Copperhead Spencer Talerico-Kucheran exchange words.

Even without a full moon, there was bad blood flowing between the Cochrane Generals and Coaldale Copperheads last night.

The Gens won the physical game, 4-3, after fighting back from a defensive breakdown late in the first.

Down 3-1 earlier in the second, Christopher Ugbaja, second star in the game. provided the turning point, bringing the Gens within one and making it clear he wasn't about to be pushed around by the Copperheads. His play was physical but resulted in just one penalty on the night for boarding.

Christopher Ugbaja stares down Copperhead Koba Fujita

 

The lone powerplay goal of the game, scored by James Quaife, and assisted by Caden Stephenson, tied the game heading into the third.

Gen Henry Pahl, who was named third star, scored the winner at 3:27 of the third from Noah Nardello. 

A late-game fight has left the Gens with Captain James Quaife for tonight's game against the Medicine Hat Cubs.

Copperhead rookie Eric Price played the antagonist through most of the game but escaped time in the sin bin until dropping the gloves against Gens captain James Quaife, who was selected first star, with 4:23 remaining in the third. Both are disqualified until Dec. 6.

These two teams don't meet again until Jan. 18 at the Copperheads barn, and fans there can expect another physical battle.

If looks could kill... Gen Brendan Thubron has some choice words for Copperhead John Vanden Elzen.

The win gives the Gen some breathing room from Coaldale in the standings, but it remains a tight race between the two for fourth in the HJHL south division. 

The second of a two-game home stand goes tonight against the Medicine Hat Cubs, who hold down second in the south division with a 15-6 record. A win tonight will put the Gens in striking distance of the Cubs, who are known for their finesse. The puck drop is at 8:15 p.m. in Totem One.

Gen Max Waugh looks for the rebound before the puck was quickly smothered by Copperhead goalie Jospeh Rolfson.

Gen Brendan Thubron scrambles to clear the puck when the Copperheads had a two-man advantage.