USP3: Eugene Generals start season off strong in new Pacific Division

Blazing speed, exceptional skill, and great goaltending.

These are the three attributes that best describe the Eugene Generals thus far. It has been a smooth start to their season in the new USP3 Pacific division, and their convincing record of 7-0-1 certainly proves that.

Kenai, Alaska, natives Baxter Cox and Cody Arbelovsky have paced the offense so far in the season, Cox averaging over three points per game. Arbelovsky is one point shy of three per game.

Head coach Justin Kern spoke highly of these two offensive catalysts.

“Those two have the drive to become better, to go along with incredible speed and skill,” said Kern.

The particular traits of speed and skill are two areas that Kern stressed as a major reason as to why the Generals have been able to find success this season.

Strong leadership is another attribute for which Kern was proud of his team.

“We have 10 returning players from last year who have really done a good job of helping out the younger guys on the team who don’t have junior hockey experience,” Kern said.

Although they are a young team, they are most definitely not playing like one. Through their first four games, they outscored their opponents by a whopping total score of 58-12.

Although their offense has been potent, the goaltending for the Eugene Generals has been equally as exceptional. The biggest bright spot for the goaltending trio has been Anchorage, Alaska, native Christopher Alexakis, who has emerged as one of the best goalies in the league, with a goals-against average of 1.09 and save percentage of .962.

Even though it is still early in the season, there is a lot to be excited about for Kern and the Generals.

Kern brought up the USPHL Showcases as something that he is really looking forward to.

“The showcases on the East Coast and in the South will really give us a chance to see how we compare to the rest of league, not just how we compare to the other three teams in our division,” Kern added.

These showcases will definitely be a big test for the Generals. Until then, they will look to continue their dominance in the Pacific Division of the USP3.