Kurt Bensmiller celebrates what would hold up as the winning goal. Photo – Ron Gallo
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By Jon Zacks
The Generals showed their championship form when it mattered, as they won a nailbiter over the Dundas Real McCoys in the first Allan Cup semi-final on Friday.
After an evenly-matched and well-fought two periods of play, the defending champ generals trailed Ontario’s Real McCoys 2-1 heading into the third period of the semi final.
But, early in the third, Don Morrison used a Kurt Bensmiller screen to fire a point shot past Dan Turple, and tie the game up at 2-2. With less than four minutes remaining, Kevin Smyth slid the puck in front of the net to Bensmiller, who jammed it underneath Turple, to give the Generals the lead.
The Real McCoys would throw everything they had at the Albertans, but a big save by Jordan Alford off Ryan Christie would preserve the lead, and a Brandin Cote empty-netter would seal Dundas’ fate, as the Generals emerged victorious, and advanced to their third consecutive Allan Cup final.
Travis Brigley also scored for Bentley, while Mark Jooris and Jerry Galway replied for Dundas.
Click below to listen to Matt Sales’ post-game interview with Bentley player-of-the-game Kevin Smyth.
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And so, the Real McCoys come up short in their third consecutive Allan Cup appearance, while the Generals will take on the winners of Friday night’s second semi final, between the South East Prairie Thunder, and the host Fort St. John Flyers.
