Eagles soar past Generals to hoist Vanberg Cup, advance to provincials

The Innisfail Eagles have advanced to Hockey Alberta’s Senior Men’s AA Provincials.

Provincials are set for April 3rd through the 6th in Lethbridge.

Over the weekend, the Birds claimed the Vanberg Cup as the North Central Hockey League champions.

Innisfail topped the Lacombe Generals 5-1 on Friday at the Twin Arena in Game 4 with Dave Nippard scoring twice for the home team.

Chase Thudium had 2 goals and 2 assists for a 4 point night on Saturday in Lacombe as Innisfail claimed the Vanberg Cup series thanks to a 7-2 victory. Innisfail takes the best-of-seven series 4-1 from the Generals. Mike Marianchuk also had 2 goals in the Game 5 win.

24-year-old goalie Chance Griffith from Crossfield backstopped Innisfail to the league title. He was named the Most Valuable Player of the Vanberg Cup series after kicking out 158 of the 171 shots the Generals sent his way which was good for a save percentage of .924.

Innisfail Eagles celebrate a Vanberg Cup title on March 22, 2025 (northcentralhockeyleague.com)
Innisfail Eagles celebrate a Vanberg Cup title on March 22, 2025 (northcentralhockeyleague.com)
Galen Hartviksen
Galen Hartviksen
Straight outta northwestern Ontario, Galen moved from his hometown of Thunder Bay to Alberta in 1998. After graduating from the broadcasting program at Mount Royal College (Class of 2003), it was off to the Town of Olds for the launch of the independent radio station (CAB-K Broadcasting). A fan of all seasons, Galen has been News Director & the voice of the Alberta Junior Hockey League's Olds Grizzlys on 96.5 CKFM/ROCK 104.5 for two decades and in 2024 he was excited to have the opportunity to join the team at Vista Radio and My Mountain View Now.

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