Owes, awes and cheers echoed through Strathcona Family Centre Arena as the HJHL all-star game returned after a seven-year hiatus.
Over 500 fans from across the league, including a strong contingent of Cochrane Generals supporters, packed the stands on Dec. 5 to cheer on their players — and were treated to a show in both the skills challenge and the all-star game that followed.
The South dominated early but managed only a single goal in the first period. The North roared back in the second, scoring four times to tie it 4-4. But the South turned up the heat in the third, scoring four goals to claim an 8-5 victory.
Veteran Generals players Diago Coelho and Brendan Thubron shone for the South in a game packed with heart and intensity. Coelho assisted on two third-period goals by Cub Nolen Sutherland and Copperhead Griffin McCulloch, while Thubron set up Bison Dryden Harding for a second-period tally.
“I think we were just playing with them for the first little bit, but decided to turn it on for the last period,” said Coelho.
Both Coelho and Thubron savoured the chance to play with the league’s best, but the spotlight is already shifting back to the regular season.
“It was a good experience,” said Coelho. “We made some new friendships, but those all come to an end as of tomorrow.”
Thubron, like Coelho, will age out after this season but hopes the all-star game becomes a regular highlight for future players.
“It was super fun to play with other guys and other teams and see what they’re about,” he said.
The packed crowd also added to the excitement.
“It was good to see family and friends here,” said Thubron. “It’s always fun to play in a packed barn. That helped to make it special.”
Hardest shot, fastest skater, accuracy shoot, passing challenge, and breakaway shootout were the five skills tested in the afternoon competition.
The Generals head into the weekend riding a five-game winning streak and 11 points in six games. They visit High River on Friday before travelling deep into Copperhead Country.
