Written by: Rory McGouran
Photo: Patrick Garriepy Photography

After sweeping the NAHL Showcase with three straight victories against out-of-division teams, the Generals made a loud and clear statement in the East, defeating the defending divisional champions and Robertson Cup finalist Rochester Jr. Americans 3-1 on Friday night.

There was very little success in last season’s series against the Jr. Americans, hinting that the Generals may be turning a page in the 2025-26 campaign. Winless in six meetings last year, with a combined score of 36-9, Friday’s victory marked their first inside the Rochester Ice Center since November 17, 2023.

Making a statement often requires an early announcement, and the Generals provided that with Mikey Bartkowski’s second goal of the season just 25 seconds into the game. The goal came off a beautiful opening-minute forecheck and a quick release in the low slot from Bartkowski, who missed the team’s first four losses due to injury but has returned to the lineup for all four wins.

The Gens doubled their lead through their current leading goal scorer, rookie Logan Poulin. He netted his team-leading fifth goal of the season by stripping a defenseman with a quick stick-lift and, in the same motion, flipping the puck under the bar for a 2-0 advantage.

Goaltender Will Mizenko put forth his best performance of the season. The veteran netminder provided a calming and composed presence throughout the lineup while stopping 28 of 29 shots. The only goal he surrendered came on a Keanan Dewberry breakaway in the second period. Mizenko is now 3-1-0 since being acquired in a trade from the Minot Minotauros.

Closing out third periods has been an early-season growing pain for the Generals, who have surrendered leads in three of their four losses. With a 2-1 lead heading into the third on Friday, Finn Connor helped toss that narrative aside. He picked up a loose puck at his own blue line off the stick of a falling defenseman and buried his first goal of the season on a breakaway to secure the 3-1 victory.

An evenly called game from an officiating standpoint allowed both teams to play with flow throughout most of the 60 minutes, though neither side capitalized on their three power-play opportunities.

The win elevated the Generals over the Americans in the East Division standings, improving their record to 4-3-1-0 and placing them in sixth through eight games.

The two teams will square off again at the Rochester Ice Center on Saturday, with puck drop scheduled for 7:00 p.m.