Generals Season Ends with 7-3 Loss

The Eugene Generals second season ended tonight at the hands of the Fort Vancouver Pioneers in Game 3 of the NOR PAC Pacific Division Finals. The Pioneers swept the Generals 3-0 in the best of five series, and have still yet to lose a game in the playoffs. The Pioneers will now meet the Cascade Division Champions for the best of five Cascade Cup Finals to see who earns the bid to the Silver Cup National Tournament. This is the second year in a row that the Generals have made it to the Division Finals, but the Generals were not able to repeat as champions.

“I am proud of our guys. We had some ups and downs this year, but overall the guys battled through and gave it a solid effort,” Generals Head Coach Chris Hartly stated after the game. “Our final run at it this year didn’t end the way we would have liked, but we don’t have anything to hang our heads about.“

Fort Vancouver was able to establish a 6-1 lead before the Generals scored two consecutive goals to make a 6-3 game. Fort Vancouver was able to get one more goal in the contest, and the Generals hope of a repeat trip to the Cascade Cup Finals was ended.

Steven Slattery netted the Generals first goal of the game 5:38 into the second period when Matt Vasilie and Ryan Schank assisted him on the powerplay. The Generals would wait until 5:18 in the third period to get their second goal of the night. Ben Tikka scored the Generals second powerplay goal of the night, and Ryan Schank and Steven Slattery were awarded the assists. Sean Woodring assisted Troy Mytinger for the Generals third goal of the night, and the final Generals goal of the season.

Tonight’s game was the last time six of the Generals will step foot on the ice for Junior hockey. Justin Kern, Matt Vasilie, Matt Bilder, Erik Kroll, Ben Tikka and Ryan Schank have all aged out, and plan on playing collegiate hockey next season. Kroll and Tikka have been alternate captains for the past two seasons, and Ryan Schank has worn the captains “C” for the past two seasons. Look for a revamped Generals team next season as they try to return to the Cascade Cup Championship.

For more information:
Chris Bilder, Public Relations/Marketing, Eugene Generals
541-359-4154 (office)
541-680-6222 (cell)