The Medicine Hat Cubs have swept the Cochrane Generals to claim the HJHL south division championship.

Last night in Medicine Hat, the Gens jumped out to an early lead on a goal by team captain Diago Coelho, assisted by Brendan Thubron. But the Cubs quickly turned the tide, scoring seven unanswered goals — all but two at even strength — to capture their first south division title in 24 years.

Medicine Hat’s balanced attack was led by Kyle Woolridge, team captain, league MVP, and top scorer in this year’s HJHL playoffs.

“We want to thank the Cannex Cochrane Generals for putting up one heck of a fight,” the Cubs posted on their Facebook page following the win.

gensThe Gens overcame an early season slump to rise through the standings and punch their ticket into the HJHL south division championship. Cochrane Now file photo/Noel Edey

The Gens won their regular-season matchups with the Cubs 3-2, including a shootout on Jan. 10.

In the north final, it was a similar story. The Red Deer Vipers swept their best-of-five series against the Sylvan Lake Wranglers at Red Deer’s Servus Arena, winning 4-2. Tied 2-2 after two periods, Evan Lemke struck twice in the third, the second an empty-netter with 1:33 remaining.

Despite the loss, the Generals enjoyed their best season since winning the north division final against the Vipers in 2021-22. That year, they fell to the Okotoks Bisons in the HJHL championship but rebounded to claim silver in the provincial Jr. B championship.

This season has been memorable for the Gens, who recovered from an early slump to finish third in the regular-season standings. They battled the Wheatland Kings all season and ousted them three games to one in the quarterfinals, capping the series with a dramatic win in front of a packed Totem One arena on Feb. 20.

Coelho capped his four-year career with the Generals by leading the HJHL in points, finishing the regular season with a career-high 27 goals and 32 assists for 59 points. He added 10 more points in the playoffs, with three goals and seven assists, leaving a lasting mark on the club.

As of yet, the schedule hasn’t been released for the HJHL championship series between the Cubs and Vipers.