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Chris Bilder, Public Relations/Marketing, Eugene Generals
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 22, 2008
Generals Clinch First Season Series
Eugene, OR - The Eugene Generals (23-6) clinched their first season series of the NORPAC 2008/09 Regular Season with two wins over the Rogue Valley Wranglers (1-27). The Generals have defeated the Wranglers in all seven of their meetings this season, and will have the opportunity to sweep the ten game season series with three more games to be played in Medford, OR this season.
“We didn’t play our best hockey this weekend, but we were able to get four points,” Generals Head Coach Jay Miller stated. “I think our boys were looking forward to the break, and the Wranglers weren’t our main focus this weekend. The Wranglers were able to give us a scare, but we came out on top in both games. We will be much more focused for the Wranglers in our final three games.”
The Generals put 59 shots on net in their 10-4 win on Friday Night. Sean O’Connor led the Generals with three goals and two assists, and was followed by John Strahle who put up two goals and two assists. Neil Holder had a goal and two assists, Michael Frei had three assists, Blake Bishop had a goal and an assist, Carl Lehtola and Eric Watters each had two assists, Johnathan Isbell and Ryan McDonald each had goals, Peter Mingus scored his first Junior goal in his first game and Ian Evans and Joe Myers each had an assist. Nolan Ohmart stopped 23 of the Wranglers 27 shots in the win.
The Generals were able to get their second win of the weekend with a 5-2 victory on Friday, but this contest was much closer than the score. Tyler Poulsen assisted Michael Frei 6:31 into the first period, which would be the only goal scored during the first. The Wranglers were able to tie the game at one just 37 seconds in the second, but Ryan McDonald and Blake Bishop would assist Carl Lehtola 5:58 into the second for a shorthanded goal. However, the Wranglers would get another goal in the period to make it a 2-2 game heading into the third.
Carl Lehtola would get the Generals back on top 29 seconds into the third, but the score would remain 3-2 until the later stages of the third. Tyler Poulsen and Neil Holder would assist Joe Myers on the power play 17:30 into the third to give the Generals a 4-2 lead, and Ryan McDonald would assist Blake Bishop on the power play just 15 seconds later to put the final nail in the Wranglers coffin.
The Generals will host the Coeur d’Alene Lakers Friday, January 2 and Saturday January, 3 at 7:35 PM at Lane Events Center Ice. Saturday night’s game is Oakway Fitness Night. The games will be broadcast on GiTV. For more information on upcoming games, special event nights or GiTV please visit eugenegenerals.com.