Safety of team, fans and staff first and foremost for Gens

By Chris Jones/The Oshawa Express

The Oshawa Generals are focused on the safety of players, fans, and staff this offseason.

Speaking to The Oshawa Express, General Manager Roger Hunt says the team’s priority right now is finding a “return to play” date that’s safe for everyone.

After the last season ended abruptly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hunt and many others are concerned about the safety of everyone at the rink.

“We want to make sure that whenever [play restarts], players, fans and staff are all in a safe environment,” says Hunt.

He says he’s currently waiting on news, along with everyone else, and is going to wait for government approval to bring the team back to Oshawa.

However, while the COVID-19 pandemic has left Hunt and his staff waiting for the time being, the league is still operating, and the trading period has begun.

Right now, Hunt says it can be difficult to take actions, such as trades, during the summer. He notes he doesn’t necessarily know what he’s going to get from a teenage player, as their bodies may have changed.

“Year to year is so different for these players,” he says. “You don’t want to do too much prior to actually seeing the guys back on the ice.”

However, heading into the new season, Hunt acknowledges there are some aspects he’d like the team to work on.

“I don’t want to say we had glaring weaknesses though – we were a good team,” he says.

The long-time GM explains he wants his team to work on keeping their goals against down. The Gens had a mere +2 goal differential despite being fourth in the Eastern Conference, and third in their division.

He also notes the Generals’ special teams “weren’t bad,” as both the penalty kill and power play were middle of the pack.

But for Hunt it’s important they have a good mindset from day one.

“[It’s important to have a good] mindset from game one to the last game of the year… and knowing that [every game] is important,” he says.

After finishing with a record of 31-20-6-5 last season, Hunt hopes his team can take the next step, and move past rival teams like the Peterborough Petes and the Ottawa 67’s and take first place in the west.

But more importantly, Hunt hopes for everyone to remain safe.

“I just hope everybody is staying safe. I’m sure they’re all as excited as I am to see the players back on the ice,” he says.