It wasn’t the home opener the Oshawa Generals wanted.
They lost 5-2 to the Kingston Frontenacs in a stunning third period collapse at the Tribute Communities Centre.
The game started well for the Generals with first career Ontario Hockey League (OHL) goals by two new forwards, Luke Posthumus and Rowen Sang, both scoring their goals within the first ten minutes of the game.
After an uneventful second period, the Gens then allowed three unanswered goals in three minutes in the third with ten minutes to go. The Frontenacs then iced the game with an empty netter and solidified their comeback.
Despite the home opener collapse, and a 4-2 loss to North Bay in their first game, Generals fans are still hopeful about the season, even if it will have its challenges.
Konnor Killins, an Oshawa native and long-time Generals fan, thinks it’s only a matter of time before Oshawa starts clicking.
“It’s still early season, you can’t put a whole lot into this. A lot of the new faces are still getting to know each other,” said Killins.
The OHL season is 68 regular season games, followed by the J. Ross Robertson Cup playoffs, which the Generals have reached in back-to-back years losing to the London Knights both times.
This year, the Gens may have to fight for the playoffs while missing out on some big firepower in Beckett Sennecke, who has a chance at making the Anaheim Ducks roster.
Killins wants new players to fill the void.
“The Gens are losing a lot of big names,” said Killins.”I think there is an opportunity to make it back [the playoffs]. But you have to expect a lot from new players to take on those roles.”
Sennecke is not the only player they could lose. Ben Danford, Owen Griffin and Simon Wang are all currently with NHL teams for their pre-season camps.
The Gens, however, have brought in new talent, including pick 16 of the 2025 OHL draft – and son of a former Whitby NHL star – Sam Roberts.
The forward struggled in the home opener. After taking a massive hit into the boards, Roberts went to the dressing room before returning and finishing the game without any points.
Amber Roberge, an employee at Wendel Clark’s, an Oshawa sports bar that has a heavy Generals fan presence, says a loss won’t affect fans.
“Their fans are diehard and they always remain hopeful,” said Roberge.
The Generals have a nearly 90-year history in Oshawa and a passionate fan base that Roberge says always brings a good time to Wendel Clark’s.
“When Generals fans come in here, the energy is always high and everyone is ready for the game and to root for their favourite team,” said Roberge.
Will they make it all the way this year?
“Absolutely,” she said with a smile.