Home Opener a Huge Success for the Oshawa Generals
Published on September 28, 2014 under Ontario Hockey League (OHL)
Oshawa Generals News Release
As far as home opener's go, most of us can agree that the 2014-15 Oshawa Generals season home opener was a night to remember.
The night started off with a tailgate party presented by Ontario Motor Sales and Mills Motors. Hundreds of fans came out to enjoy music provided by KX96 along with games, food, drinks, and all around fun. Fans started piling in as soon as the doors were open, clearly eager to get back into the GM Centre for some Oshawa Generals hockey.
Before the game could begin however, a very special ceremony was held to honour John Tavares, who had his jersey number, 91 retired. The crowd in the GM Centre tonight was absolutely electric, on their feet and cheering loud and proud for JT as he walked onto the ice. John was joined by his family, girlfriend, Generals President, Rocco Tullio and family, Generals General Manager, Roger Hunt, his former coach, and David Branch, Commissioner of the OHL. Tavares made an emotional speech which highlighted all of the reasons he was thankful to play for the Generals. He finished his speech with the most fitting sentiment for the evening - "Once a General, always a General." Tavares' name was lifted to the rafters and is officially a retired number, along with numbers of other Generals greats, Bobby Orr, Red Tilson, and Eric Lindros.
Despite all of the excitement and emotion that came with the John Tavares' jersey retirement, the excitement didn't end there. The Generals took on the Sudbury Wolves in the season home opener tonight and dominated throughout the game. Hunter Smith opened the scoring on a Generals power play, putting up his first goal of the season, assisted by Mitchell Vande Sompel. Busch and Latour set up a beautiful play during the first, but couldn't manage to find the back of the net. The Generals had a few great chances throughout the period, one a shot from Carlisle that hit the crossbar, and another nearing the end of the period from Vande Sompel. The Generals wrapped up the first period leading the Wolves 11-8 in shots on goal.
During the second period, things heated up as Busch and Hawley dropped the gloves and got the crowd roaring early into the period. Despite a few Generals penalties, the Wolves couldn't capitalize on any power play opportunities. What looked like a Wolves goal was ultimately overturned due to a high sticking call. Kenny Appleby made several amazing saves for the Generals, ensuring a shutout on 30 shots from the Wolves.
The third period was all about Sam Harding, who secured three goals for the Generals in the home opener. His first goal gave the Generals a 2-0 advantage, assisted by Tobias Lindberg and Anthony Cirelli. Harding didn't stop there as he scored his second of the night would come later in the third, this time assisted by Carlisle and Petschenig. Harding found his third goal only a few minutes later, securing a hat-trick and demonstrating the skill and speed he brings to the team. Harding's performance earned him first star tonight. Appleby was rewarded second star, and Chris Carlisle took third star.
The Generals ultimately dominated the game physically and offensively tonight. If the night wasn't sure to be memorable already, the 4-0 win ensured that this is a game that will forever be remembered. On behalf of the Oshawa Generals organization, we would again like to congraulate John Tavares on having his jersey retired. We also send a huge thank you to all of our fans who came out tonight, we look forward to an amazing season with all of you - the best fans in the league.
For those of you wondering about introducing this year's team, introductions will take place at our game this Friday, Oct. 3 when we raise our Eastern Division banner at the General Motors Centre. Puck drop is at 7:35 p.m. when the Generals take on the Ottawa 67's.
Ontario Hockey League Stories from September 28, 2014
- Home Opener a Huge Success for the Oshawa Generals - Oshawa Generals
- Late Goal Gets Storm Past Spits - Windsor Spitfires
- Sting Fall to Saginaw in OT - Sarnia Sting
- Wolves Edged by Bulls - Sudbury Wolves
- Bulls Win Home Opener - Belleville Bulls
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
