BENTLEY, ALBERTA – The Bentley Generals will be counted among six Allan Cup finalists in Fort St John BC. For the fourth consecutive spring ‘The Army’ captured an Alberta Senior Men’s ‘AAA’ Championship, eliminating Fort Saskatchewan 4-i in the best of 7 series, renewing their spot in the grand daddy event for amateur hockey. With a near sellout crowd on hand for game 5, Bentley dispatched Fort Sask 5-3. The defending Allan Cup Champions never trailed in the game but they never had it banked either. Scotty Galenza made 13 saves in the first period, including a mitten full of glovehand skullduggery to hold back the hard charging Chiefs. Scott Hood started the Gens off mid-way into the period converting a pass from Jared Smyth. Fort Sask tied the contest with Jaime Marshall’s PPG 40 seconds into the 2nd. Sean Robertson, wearing the ‘C’ in place of injured Captain Kent Beagle, restocked the one goal lead at 10:31. Facing elimination, Fort Sask fired only 3 shots on goal in the 3rd period, 2 of which beat Scott Galenza. Mike Hurley’s PP conversion at 17:38 tied the game 2-2. Less than 2 minutes later, Kurt Bensmiller cashed a rebound but for the 3rd time in the game a 1 goal lead would prove ‘NSF’. Richard Kelly; the Chiefs powerful skating centreman, deposited a goal for his club’s leaking account at 9:08. Brian Sutter’s stifling style of defence did not yield another goal against the rest of the way. His men didn’t even allow a shot on goal the rest of the way. Time to take it to the bank. Chris Martini made his shot perfect, whirling around on a wild rebound and blasting the series winner past David Tetrault with 8:18 remaining. Diarmuid Kelly collected insurance at 6:36. Bensmiller and Brigely both drew assists on the mark. It was Bensmiller, chosen as Series MVP, who’s presence around the net was critical for ‘The Lave Line’ scoring in all 5 games. For the Chiefs, they will try to take little solace in whatever success their provincial rivals hope for in the coming days. This loss makes it back to back defeats versus Bentley. Last year, they lasted the full 7 games. This time the size and skill of ‘The Army’ attack was too big, too steady and too strong for a long series to be required. The 102 year old Allan Cup arrived a full week ahead of check in day for Canada’s most elite senior clubs. Sir Montague Allan’s historic silver-piece waits for nobody. The tournament runs April 19th-24th. The field of finalists is set and prohockeynews.com will have an in-depth look at all six teams next week. Contact Wade.Giesbrecht@prohockeynews.com Generals Beat Writer & Senior Hockey Canada Columnist
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