The first week of the preseason is in the rear view mirror and the team came away with some positives and some things to work on after a split of their two games against the Swift Current Legionnaires over the weekend.

“We’ve got a whole new core except for a couple of vets back, we played all the rookies on Friday night in the 6-0 win, the kids are working real hard and they’re eager to learn, so I’m looking forward to the season,” said Generals assistant coach Kevin Moore.

The Generals won 6-0 at home on Friday night and then lost 6-3 on Sunday in Swift Current.

Moore said that those two games gave them a good blueprint of where the team is at early in the development process leading into the regular season.

“Swift had a lot of vets dressed on Sunday, a little quicker tempo and on you a little quicker, so it was good, they know what they’re up against now,” said Moore.

“The speed and strength is up, every level you go up, it’s a little bit tougher and you’ve got to work a little harder, but they realize that and they’re eager to learn, they’re good kids.”

The number of returning players for the Generals doubled last week when 16-year-old defenceman Nolan Jones was re-assigned to the team after training camp and one preseason game with the Lethbridge Hurricanes.

The 2016 second round WHL Bantam Draft pick will provide a big boost to the Generals’ back-end after he posted six goals and 20 points in 41 games last season.

“He should be a real leader this year, put up points and show the kids how to play the right way,” said Moore. “Hopefully he cherishes it and doesn’t resent the fact that he got sent back and takes on being a leader.”

The Generals will return to the ice coming up on Sunday when they host the Regina Pat Canadians at Mosaic Place. Puck drops at 1:30 p.m.