The Lacombe Generals are the 2024 NCHL South Division Champions after downing the hometown Red Deer Rustlers 5-3 last night in Penhold. This is the second season in a row that the Generals have ended the Rustler's season in 5 games.
Opening the scoring for the first time since game #2, the Rustlers built up a 3-0 first period lead and opened the 2nd period with some pressure only to see Generals goaltender Mac Engel make some big saves. The Generals battled back to tie the game at 3 with a couple of power play goals late in the period. General's rookie Tyrell Bourk 1-1-2 scored the winner early in the 3rd period and veteran Colin Zimmer put the icing on the cake halfway though the period.
Other scorers for the Generals were Troy Maclise, Thomas Beretta and TJ Brown. After giving up 3 in the first period, Engel shut the door for the rest of the game, turning away 28 of 31 Rustler's shots. Replying for the Rustlers were Tyler Berkholtz 1-1-2, Gabe Bast and Ryley Smith. Brodan Salmond stopped 35 shots in the loss.
The Generals now head to the Vanberg Cup finals for the 3rd straight season.
Devon and Bonnyville will battle it out to see who goes on to meet the Generals in the finals.
