The Northeast Generals secured a single point in the standings, but it’s the way the second one vanished in a last-second 4-3 overtime loss to the New Hampshire Mountain Kings on Saturday night that will sting the most.

 

Overall, the Generals’ 2025-26 season opener was more successful than not. Either leading or tied for 64:56 of action, they acted as the hungrier, simpler, more structured, and harder-working team, which is what you hope for in the first game of 59.

 

It didn’t take long for the Generals to get on the board as Kody Moyer scored the “trivia question” goal for the first of the regular season just 48 seconds into the game. Moyer, acquired through a trade midway through last season, had eight combined goals last year, two with the Generals and six with the Watertown Shamrocks.

 

Another midseason acquisition from last year found his first career goal as a General in the second period. Kyle Murray-Smith was able to bang home a rebound while using his 6’6” frame to create net-front presence on the power play. This was also his first point as a General after playing 10 games last season.

 

The Gens’ power play went 1/6 overall, while their PK was a perfect 5/5.

 

The Mountain Kings quickly closed the Gens’ 2-0 lead with back-to-back goals by veteran Alex Gelhar.

 

Regaining the Generals’ lead before the end of the second period this time was an off-season acquisition. Luke Drury danced the puck through a defenseman’s legs, gained entry to the slot, and fired a quick shot over the glove of Mountain Kings’ netminder Ryan Mitchell.

 

The lone goal of the third period came off the stick of the youngest player on the ice, as the Generals turned the puck over to Garrit Turcotte, who beat Liam Deussen under the bar for a 3-3 tie.

 

Although not a frequent occurrence on Saturday—which, of course, is a positive—it was three crucial and avoidable mistakes that allowed the Mountain Kings to force overtime: two turnovers and an undisciplined delayed penalty.

 

Both teams had chances in overtime. However, in gut-wrenching fashion, the Generals couldn’t clear the puck from their zone, and with four seconds left, Benjamin Tauscher threw a desperation puck toward the net that squeaked through the legs of Deussen and just barely crossed the goal line for the game-winner.

 

The Gens, with the same effort, while hopefully cleaning up a few costly mistakes, will look to take 3 of 4 points in the opening weekend with the rematch tonight at 5:00 p.m.