Generals Reload for the New Season

The Oceanside Generals have announced the acquisition of four players they hope will help them repeat as Vancouver Island Junior B Hockey League champs. Coach and general manager Dave Johnston said they picked up two proven players in trades and are also welcoming two hot prospects "with tremendous hockey sense" out of midget hockey in Port Alberni.
The cash trades involved Corey MacLachlan, 19, who moves down the road from the Campbell River Storm to be closer to his home in Nanaimo. The 5-7, 165-pound forward notched 10 goals and 10 assists last year.
The Gens also picked up 20-year-old Sam Corcoran, a 6-1, 205-pound defenceman who played for Beaver Valley of the Kootenay International Hockey League the past three seasons.
"I'm really excited," said Corcoran, who played his minor hockey in Parksville. "It'll be fun playing my final year at home after being away for so long." Johnston said he's looking for leadership from MacLachlan and Corcoran as he retools the team following its VIJHL championship last spring. Among those not expected back in September are big Curtis Yates and captain Matt Potter. The league's age limit is 20, and the renewal process is inevitable and natural.
It's made more important this year because the Generals have been awarded the honour of hosting the Cylcone Taylor Cup, emblematic of Junior B supremacy in BC. Whether or not they repeat as VIJHL champs, they will play in the Cyclone Taylor tournament April 1-4.
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