By Josh Hall

playoffs start feb. 6

Eagles, Generals ready to roll for another shot at NCHL’s Vanberg Cup

Feb 3, 2026 | 1:15 PM

The Innisfail Eagles are looking to repeat as Vanberg Cup champs, and their archrival the Lacombe Generals, who lost to Innisfail a year ago, are looking for revenge.

The two teams begin the opening round of their NCHL Playoffs this week, though won’t play one another just yet.

The Eagles and Generals both finished 12-4-0-0-0 on the regular season, two points behind the Camrose Bruins.

Innisfail will now take on the Devon Barons in a best-of-5 opening round series, starting Feb. 6 (8:30 p.m.) at the Innisfail Twin Arenas. Game 2 is set for Feb. 7 (8 p.m.) at Devon’s Dale Fisher Arena. Games 3-5 are TBA.

Elsewhere, Camrose will host Westlock to start that series, while Stony Plain is home to Wetaskiwin, and the Generals will start in friendly confines against the Tofield Satellites.

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The Lacombe series starts at the Gary Moe Auto Group Sportsplex on Feb. 7 (7:45 p.m.). Game 2 is Feb. 8 (8:15 p.m.) at the Tofield Arena, Game 3 is Feb. 13 (8:45 p.m.) in Lacombe, Game 4, if necessary, would be Feb. 14 (7:30 p.m.) in Lacombe, and Game 5 would be Feb. 15 (8:30 p.m.) in Tofield.

“Starting now, regular-season records are out the window. Any team can get hot and make a run,” said Ryan Dodd, Innisfail Eagles head coach.

“We know to be successful we have to come in focused every game and play Eagles hockey – fast skating, strong puck control in the offensive zone and making sure we’re taking advantage of the opportunities when they present themselves.”

Eagles President Randy Graham believes the real winners will be the fans.

“This year’s playoffs are going to be fast, intense and competitive. If you’re a hockey fan on any level come down and check us out. It’s really the best value for your entertainment dollar you’re going to find anywhere.”

The teams split the season series — Innisfail won 5-4 at home in November, and lost 6-4 in Devon in late January.

As for the Generals, who’ve been in the final the last four years, it’s about continuing to do what they do best, says General Manager Jared Williams.

“We always believe we can make it to the end. We’ve got a good strong group, and we’ve played pretty well the back half of the season — playing the right way,” Williams says.

“We obviously don’t want to get ahead of ourselves, because we’ve got an important series with Tofield. We have to pay attention to little details, playing a structured game, and not trying to get into a run and gun [scenario].”

Williams says Tofield is a lot younger, being in their first season in the league.

In two games this season, Lacombe beat Tofield 9-6 on the road in November, then 13-4 in December at home.

Tickets for both the Eagles and Generals are available at the door on the night of games.

Lacombe won the Vanberg Cup in 2024 (vs. Devon) and 2023 (vs. Red Deer), with Camrose winning in 2022 (vs. Lacombe).