Gen Alexander Devnich scrambles for the rebound from a shot on Thunder goalie Lucas Veal. The Gens took control of the game midway through the second to go on to an 8-3 win. Cochrane Now/Noel EdeyBefore the goals, the cheers and the comeback, the Cochrane Generals came together at centre ice with a message that reached beyond the rink: everyone belongs.
The circle of unity, a home-opening tradition established several years ago by club president Rick Richards, brought players and special guests together Oct. 2 before upwards of 600 fans.
Joining them were members of the Calgary Sledge Hockey Association, Ice Dogs Blind Hockey team and Canadian National Women’s Goalball Team — athletes whose presence underscored Richards’ message about inclusion, respect and the power of sport to bring people together.
The Circle of Unity brings players and special guests together at the Cochrane Generals’ home opener, celebrating the message that hockey is for everyone. Cochrane Now/Noel EdeyRichards spoke of a world too often divided by differences in language, background and ability. Inside the rink, he said, there was a place for everyone.
“We don’t care where you came from. We don’t care what language you speak. We believe you and your elders’ stories. We want our neighbours to be friends.”
His challenge went beyond hockey.
“This world needs heroes, and leaders of integrity,” Richards said. “Don’t stop becoming a better person and building a better community for all.”
Whether athletes play standing, in a sled or wheelchair, or through blind hockey, his message was clear: “hockey is for everyone.”
That spirit of togetherness set the stage for a memorable home opener — and the Gens gave their fans plenty more to cheer about.
After the Airdrie Thunder grabbed a 3-2 lead at 8:18 of the second period, Cochrane needed just 32 seconds to answer. Lincoln Pidsadowski scored the equalizer, assisted by Marshall Wagner, and the Gens took control from there, powering their way to an 8-3 win.
A tougher test followed against the Medicine Hat Cubs the next night, with Cochrane falling 4-1.
Gens captain Evan Sine scored his first career hat trick in an 8-3 win over the Airdrie Thunder. Cochrane Now/Noel EdeyFirst hat trick
For captain Evan Sine, the home opener was a night to remember for more than the crowd. In his fourth year with the club, he scored his first career hat trick.
“This is my actual first one in my entire career, so it was actually a pretty big night,” said Sine.
The familiar faces in the stands made it even better.
“That was probably one of the best ones I’ve had in my career here,” he said. “It was super fun seeing all the old guys who used to play on the team, all the fans and all the kids here.”
Sine is also trying something new on the ice, moving from the wing to centre on a line with Nolan Smith and Ty Barry. He said he is enjoying both the position and his linemates as the team works out its combinations.
Head coach Derek Bell credited the leadership group with helping the Gens respond after Airdrie briefly moved ahead.
“This year we got a really, really good leadership group that holds everybody accountable,” said Bell.
“We had a couple of mishaps early on, but at the end is what counts.”
Gens head coach Derek Bell says the crowd’s support at the home opener meant the world to the team. Cochrane Now/Noel EdeyBell said the crowd’s energy made a difference and hopes that support continues throughout the season.
“We need you every night. It means the world to us.”
Cubs present tougher test
Against Medicine Hat, the Gens faced a faster opponent that Bell said earned the win.
“And we know we have to be our best to beat the best. And tonight they were the better team,” he said.
“They outworked us tonight. We had the chance to tie it and the chance to win.”
Sine said penalties interrupted Cochrane’s rhythm and made it difficult to build momentum.
“So I felt like we were stopping and starting the whole time,” he said. “It’s just hard to get back into the game after that.”
Still, the captain believes the Gens can turn the tables in future meetings.
“No, they’re definitely beatable.”
Smith scores lone goal
Smith scored Cochrane’s lone goal against the Cubs, his second of the season and first on home ice as a General.
The 21-year-old alternate captain joined Cochrane after playing with the Okotoks Bisons last season. He began his HJHL career with the High River Flyers in 2022-23 and later spent time with the SJHL’s Kindersley Klippers and two USPHL clubs before returning to the HJHL.
He had scored in Cochrane as a visiting player, but doing so in a Gens jersey carried a different meaning.
“It’s special here in this barn,” said Smith. “I love the fans, everyone’s loud, the team’s awesome.”
Smith said the home opener showed what the team can deliver.
“The atmosphere was sick. The fans really came out and supported us. The team showed up. That’s how we have to play every single night.”
Against Medicine Hat, he said, that effort needs to extend through the entire lineup.
“They come out four lines strong, and that’s exactly how we have to play them, too.”
“We need everyone going.”
Vipers coming to town
The Generals have this weekend off after a home-opening weekend that offered both a reminder of what brings people to the rink and a celebration of the community they build there.
The Gens host the Red Deer Vipers on Oct. 16 for the Vipers’ lone regular-season appearance at the SLS Centre. Puck drop is at 8 p.m.
The following day, the Gens travel to Strathmore for a 7:45 p.m. game against the Wheatland Kings.
