The Cochrane Generals have plenty of familiar faces back in the lineup, but there’s also a fresh crop of talent ready to make its junior hockey debut, along with veteran players returning from leagues in British Columbia.

The Gens open their HJHL season tonight on the road, heading north to challenge the always-tough Sylvan Lake Wranglers, then turn around and make the long haul south Saturday to take on the Coaldale Copperheads.

Cochrane released its roster Thursday following a busy training camp that attracted 60 players and included three preseason games.

Head coach Derek Bell and his staff did plenty of homework in the off-season, scouting and recruiting players.

He said last season’s success helped put Cochrane on the radar of prospective players, but he gives much of the credit to the team’s robust culture.

The Gens advanced to the HJHL South Division final last season, their first trip that far in nearly a decade. Their previous shot at the league championship came in 2021-22, when the team was temporarily moved to the North Division.

Evan Sine is among the veterans returning. He’s coming off his highest scoring season yet, finishing second behind Diago Coelho, who has wrapped up his junior career. Cochrane Now/Noel Edey 

Most of last season’s offence remains intact, with veterans Evan Sine, Ty Barry, Alex Devnich, Lincoln Pidsadowski and Declan Kinch returning to lead the attack.

They’ll be joined by a mix of veteran junior players from the KIJHL and a crop of talented U18 players making the jump to junior hockey.

The blue line has a different look.

Brayden Palinka, Domenic Gelinas and Chase Weinkauf are the lone returning defencemen, while Diego Ouimette is back in Cochrane after spending last season with the Dawson Creek Kodiaks of the NWJHL.

The Gens have also added new defensive talent, including players returning to Alberta after playing junior hockey in British Columbia.

They’ll also have experience between the pipes, with Owen Hall-Clay and Isaias Maddigan returning to the Gens lineup.

Preseason

Cochrane enters the regular season with some momentum.

The Gens split a home-and-home series with the Airdrie Thunder before wrapping up their exhibition schedule with a win over the High River Flyers.

But preseason is over.

Tonight, the games count, and every shot, every goal and every save suddenly carries a little more weight.

Home opener

Cochrane fans will have to wait a little longer to see the new-look Gens at the Totem One.

The home opener is Oct. 2 against the Airdrie Thunder.

For those who can’t wait, all of Cochrane’s road games will be streamed live on FloHockey. Watch Live Hockey Events & Games | FloHockey