Must-win games ahead for locals
Oceanside’s Midget Rep Generals playoff run got off to a bumpy start Sunday as they lost 2-1 to the Bulldogs, but the road to the B.C.s is still under construction.
The Generals, who made Oceanside Minor Hockey Association history this year by becoming the first local Midget Rep team to win the Tier 1 regular season title, hit the ice against Alberni Valley at Oceanside Place on Sunday.
It was their first of three VIAHA North Island Tier 2 playoff games.
The opening round loss means they will have to win their final two to have a shot at advancing.
“Tough game to lose,” Oceanside manager Glenn Wilson said Sunday night, pointing out some confusion over the time clock late in the game didn’t help the cause.
Wilson said the Generals dominated the fist period with Anthony Buksa scoring the only goal of the frame off assists by Noah Russi and Jason Gottfried.
“But then in the second we sat back a bit and they scored both their goals.”
Oceanside outshot Alberni, 29-16.
“We had a good week (of practices),” Generals’ head coach Louis Raymond surmised Monday when asked what happened.
“We were fairly confident, and the guys looked ready for the game.
“They played awesome in the first period and they just gave up in the second and third and gave Port Alberni a chance to come back which they did …we can’t win them all I guess,” he said, adding, “we’re going to have to get ready for next weekend because it’s a big weekend.”
GAME ON
Oceanside’s Midget Reps make the long trip to Powell River Saturday to take on the Kings, and return home to ‘the Place on Sunday to close out their VIAHA Tier 2 playoffs against the Campbell River Tyees (1:45 p.m. start).
Top two teams out of the North Island playdowns move on to play the top two from the South, with the top teams from there advancing to the B.C.s.
