Story by Brad Coccimiglio
Ken Appleby knew he needed to be better.
The Oshawa Generals net minder, and North Bay native, was exactly that on Tuesday night as the Generals earned a spot in the 2015 MasterCard Memorial Cup final thanks to a 2-1 win over the Kelowna Rockets (Western Hockey League).
Appleby made 20 saves for the Generals as they finished the round robin with a 3-0 record.
“I was a lot better tonight,” said Appleby. “After (the first two games), I felt like I could be a lot better for the guys. I needed to be a lot better if we wanted to win this thing and I thought I was better tonight.”
Tobias Lindberg’s goal at 17:16 of the second period was the game-winner while Cole Cassels also scored for the Generals.
The Generals killed off a minute-long 5-on-3 late in the game that made the difference.
“We looked nervous a little bit and were squeezing out sticks a little too tight,” Kelowna Coach Dan Lambert said of the 5-on-3. “But that’s what happens when you really want to win. You really want to make things happen.”
The two-man advantage game with just over three-minutes left in regulation time and forced the Generals into a tough spot.
“Just make a save,” said Appleby when asked about Kelowna’s two-man advantage. “Luckily we got some blocks and I was able to make a couple of saves and we were able to get the puck down the ice.”
Generals Coach D.J. Smith spoke highly of the North Bay product following the game.
“If it’s not for (Appleby) we’re probably still playing,” Smith said of Appleby on the 5-on-3.
“Your penalty kill is always great when your goalie’s great,” Smith also said. “It speaks volumes to how Ken Appleby anchors that whole situation.”
Gage Quinney had the lone goal for the Rockets while goaltender Jackson Whistle stopped 27 shots.
The Generals finish the round robin with a 3-0 record and advance directly into Sunday’s championship game. Barring a lopsided score on Wednesday in favour of the Quebec League’s Rimouski Oceanic, the Rockets (1-2) will play in Friday’s semi-final.
The Oceanic finish the round robin on Wednesday night against the host Quebec Remparts. The Remparts enter the game with a 1-1 record while the Oceanic are 0-2.
