NPHL Media

By Garrett Fabris

Eugene, OR –The #2 Bellingham Blazers entered into this weekend up two games to none over the #3 Eugene Generals in this best of five series. But last night, the Generals were able to secure a home victory, thus forcing a game four. As the puck dropped to start tonight’s game, Cole Bloemer scored the first goal of the game for the Generals, thus giving the team an early lead. With 47 seconds left on the clock until the first intermission, the Blazers knotted the game at one goal apiece after Sam Vizenor found the back of the net.

As the Generals and Blazers hit the ice tied at one, the Generals made what looked like a goal, but was waived off by the referees. Well, the puck doesn’t lie. The Generals’ forward, Isaac Vincent, rocketed one past the Blazers’ goalie, Christopher Alexakis, just moments after. Vincent’s goal allowed the Generals to retake the lead. But the Blazers were able to prevail with another late period goal. This time it was Alex Leski who found the back of the net for the Blazers. Leski’s goal sent both teams into the second intermission tied at two goals apiece.

During the third period, neither the Blazers nor the Generals were able to score and secure the victory, which sent the game into overtime. While in the first overtime, both teams remained deadlocked as neither team could find the back of the net. But things picked up in the second overtime. Cody Arbelovsky scored the game-winning goal to secure the victory for the Generals. The Generals beat the Blazers tonight, 3 – 2.

Justin Kern, the Generals’ head coach, commented on tonight’s game against the Blazers. Kern said, “like I said yesterday, we’ve been preaching brotherhood and playing as a family all week. Tonight was a testament to that. The guys never quit. They were battling hard for every puck and they were doing everything they could to make it happen tonight. Huge shout out to Cody Arbelovsky for getting the game-winner. But another huge shout out to Christopher Pritchard who made some amazing saves down the stretch in both overtimes. Overall, it was a great team effort and now we have to get on the bus at 5:30 in the morning and see what we can make happen in Bellingham.”

After skating away with two home victories this weekend, the Generals (2-2-0, 4 points) have forced a game five against the Blazers (2-1-1, 5 points). Both of these teams will hit the road tomorrow morning to travel to Bellingham, Washington, where the final game in this series will be played. Game time is scheduled for 6:35 pm (PST).

Notable Performances:

(EUG) Cody Arbelovsky (F) – game-winning goal to force a game five

(EUG) Christopher Pritchard (G) – two goals allowed on 55 shots faced

Tomorrow, tune in to the NPHL’s website for a full recap following the conclusion of the game.