The NCHL's 29th Vanberg Cup Final series starts this weekend with a couple of games on the schedule.
On Friday (8:00) the Lacombe Generals will host the Devon Barons in game 1 and the teams then head to Devon for game 2 on Saturday (7:00).
These teams only met once during the regular season with Lacombe winning 5-1 in Lacombe way back in September in each teams first game of the season.
Devon jockeyed for first place in the North Division all season with the Westlock Warriors, finally taking the top spot with a win over Westlock in their last game of the season. The Barons then swept the Morinville Kings in the North Division semi finals before dumping the Bonnyville Pontiacs in 5 games to capture the North Division championship.
Lacombe also contended for 1st place in the South Division with Red Deer and Wetaskiwin all season. The Generals ended up tied in points with Red Deer, but the Rustlers were awarded first place because they outscored the Generals by one goal in head to head games. Lacombe swept Wetaskiwin in the semi finals before taking out the Rustlers in 5 games to claim the South Division championship.
Devon was led all season by rookie forward Chris Van Os Shaw (13-17-30 regular season) and he continues to lead in the playoffs (10-12-22). Others having a strong playoffs are Cody Issler, Brody Beaulieu and Dayton Heino. The Baron's goaltending has been solid with all star Mike Gudmanson (3-0, 2.00 GAA, 0.897 SAV%) and last season's top goaltender Jordan Cooke (3-1, 2.79 GAA, 0.929 SAV%).
Lacombe has been driven by the NCHL's MVP Jamie Johnson (12-26-38 regular season, 2-11-13 playoffs) and Thomas Beretta (10-3-13 playoffs). Others having strong playoffs are Cam Maclise, Craig Gans, and Bryce Wilson. Goaltender Mac Engel (7-1, 2.46 GAA, 0.929 SAV%) has carried the load in the playoffs playing to the form he showed as the NCHL's 2022 Top Goaltender.
Only 4 wins remaining to claim the Vanberg Cup. Be sure to get out and support your favourite team
