Last night saw the start of the 2020 "mini" season for your 2011 Oshawa AAA Generals. They kicked off their 8-game season with a decisive 5-0 win over their neighbouring Clarington Toros at the Darlington Sports Centre in Clarington. The night started off with a great pre-game warm-up lead by team Trainer Dwayne. "That's the most focused I have seen our boys during warm up all year" coach Josh Ford was heard saying to coach Sean Dionne prior to the game. "I think we are going to see our boys have a great game tonight!" Dionne replied. After some words of encouragement and a renewed focus on what the coaches were hoping to see out of our boys, we were ready to take to the ice. But not before we had our pre-game cheer...this games cheer was dedicated to Coach Corey Lucas who was unable to attend the game due to him battling Strep Throat. "1...2...3..COACH COREY!!" The warm-up was indeed a good indicator of what was to come...our boys came out flying! Opening the scoring was Addison Dionne, who was just returning from fighting the flu, assisted by Brant Nabigon. Goal number 2 came from the dynamic duo once again seeing Dionne score assisted by Nabigon. It must be stated that their linemate, Tate Werry was the driving force behind these goals, and while not acknowledged on the game sheet, certainly not unnoticed by the coaching staff and fans. The boys remained calm with their two goal lead heading into the 2nd period. It was in the 2nd period that Oshawa finally (after 4 games and one period of full ice hockey) scored a "pretty" goal. A laser beam pass from Nathan Wilkins to Liam Johnston in the high slot for a beautiful one-timer into the net. The fourth goal of the game came from a great shot from the point by Noah John after a couple of nice passes from Nabigon and Dionne. 4-0 after two periods of hockey heading into a very long 15 minute third period had some of the coaches wondering if the boys would be able to hold on and finish the game strong. The game was never in doubt after Travis Hilton buried one past their goalie after both Wilkins and Johnston had a couple whacks at rebounds. How do we get this far into the article without mentioning Brady Rancourt?!?!? The Generals goalie more than stood his ground between the pipes, he dominated the entire night for his first ever complete game shut-out! And as amazing as Brady was in net, the six defencemen infront of him were all named the players of the game as all six of them played lights out all night long. Lots of firsts last night... First regular season win First Shut out First three-point night (Dionne & Nabigon) First pretty goal First complete game by the entire team First game without Coach Corey...insert sad face here as this was the only thing keeping last nights win from being perfect...get well soon Skipper!