Cubs Sweep Cannex Cochrane Generals to Reach HJHL Finals
The Medicine Hat Cubs are the Gary Wournell South Division Champions.
The Cubs completed a three‑game sweep of the Cannex Cochrane Generals in the 2026 Heritage Junior Hockey League South Division Final, punching their ticket to the HJHL League Finals for the first time in franchise history with a decisive 7–1 victory in Game 3 on Thursday, March 5 in Medicine Hat.
Medicine Hat controlled the series from the opening faceoff of Game 1, combining depth scoring, special‑teams efficiency, and strong goaltending to close out the best‑of‑five matchup in three straight games.
Series Recap: How It Unfolded
Game 1 – March 1 | Medicine Hat
Cubs 4, Generals 1
The Cubs set the tone early, scoring twice in a 35‑second span during the first period and adding two power‑play goals later in the game. Goaltender Marlo DeRosa turned aside 33 of 34 shots, anchoring a composed defensive effort as Medicine Hat claimed the series opener.
Game 2 – March 1 | Cochrane
Cubs win in Cochrane
With the series shifting north, Medicine Hat maintained control on the road, keeping pressure on the Generals and placing themselves one win away from the division title. The Cubs’ structure and discipline continued to frustrate Cochrane’s attack as the series tilted heavily in Medicine Hat’s favour.
Game 3 – March 5 | Medicine Hat
Cubs 7, Generals 1
The Cubs left no doubt in the series clincher. After Cochrane opened the scoring, Medicine Hat responded with seven unanswered goals, including two goals from captain Kyle Woolridge. Five different Cubs recorded multi‑point performances as the home side closed out the sweep in front of a packed Kinplex.
Players Who Defined the Series
Kyle Woolridge – Medicine Hat Cubs
The Cubs captain led by example throughout the series, scoring twice in the decisive Game 3 and finishing the South Final as a driving force at both ends of the ice. Woolridge was also identified as the HJHL playoff scoring leader during the run.
Marlo DeRosa – Medicine Hat Cubs
DeRosa delivered consistently between the pipes, highlighted by his 33‑save performance in Game 1 and another strong outing in the series clincher, earning his fifth playoff win.
Diago Coelho – Cannex Cochrane Generals
Cochrane captain Diago Coelho capped off his HJHL career by leading the league in regular‑season scoring and contributing offensively in the playoffs, including the Generals’ opening goal in Game 3.
Series Snapshot
| Game | Date | Result | Location | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mar 1 | MH 4 – CCG 1 | Medicine Hat | Cubs score twice in 35 seconds |
| 2 | Mar 1 | MH 5 – CCG 3 | Cochrane | Cubs take 2–0 series lead |
| 3 | Mar 5 | MH 7 – CCG 1 | Medicine Hat | Woolridge scores twice in clincher |
[medicinehatnews.com], [hjhl.ca], [cochranenow.com]
What’s Next
With the South Division title secured, the Medicine Hat Cubs advance to the HJHL League Finals, where they will face the North Division champion Red Deer Vipers.
The League Finals schedule has not yet been released.
Join the Conversation
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