Gens secure playoff berth, big night for Sheriffs

Gens rookie Nathan Sheriffs celebrates scoring his first hat-trick with the Gens. He scored half of the team's goals in a 6-3 win last night over the High River Flyers.

The Cochrane Generals have secured a berth in the HJHL playoffs with a 6-3 win over the High River Flyers last night at Totem One.

It was a huge night for Gens rookie Nathan Sheriffs, who scored his first hat-trick in a Gens uniform. The homegrown talent kick-started the games for the Gens with two goals in the first, then tapped in an empty-netter to close out the third.

"It's been coming along all year and just feels great to build up to the moment and keep it rolling for the rest of the year," says Sheriffs, who had a stellar season last year with the Bow Valley Timberwolves to wrap up his minor hockey career.

Sensing this could be the night, the Gens players and staff rallied behind Sheriffs to help make it a reality.

"It's a good environment," says Sheriffs. "The whole is behind everyone and have each other's back. It's awesome."

Ty Barry was one of the Gens scorers.

Other Cochrane scorers were Cole Whelan, who also had an assist, Jayden Barney and Ty Barry. Christopher Ugbala had a pair of helpers, with others going to Caden Stephenson, Zack Wilkins, and recently recruited blueliner Zackary Brandson.

Zackary Brandson was recently added to the Gens blueline.

The 6'6" offensive defenceman started his season in Dawson Creek, then Quesnel before working his way back to the Calgary area, where the 20-year-old wrapped up his minor hockey with the U18 AAA Calgary Northstars and CNHA Black U18 AA.

Two of the Gens four remaining regular season are home games against north division teams. They host the Three Hill Thrashers on Feb. 1 at 8 p.m. before playing the top team in HJHL to round out the regular season.

On Feb. 9, fans will get their only glimpse of the Sylvan Lake Wranglers, who have only four losses in 30 starts. One of them came at the hands of the Gens in a shoot-out in Sylvan Lake in December, providing the Wranglers a little extra motivation heading into the game.

The Gens start next weekend on the road in Rocky Mt. House against the Rams on Jan. 31.

Gens enforcer Christopher Ugbala had two assists and continues to have a huge presence on the ice for the Gens.