The Save On Foods Oceanside Generals had their own version of the Sedin twins this season.

Brothers Mathias and Alexandre Alhaj are originally from Montpellier, France. They were acquired by Oceanside general manager Rick Hannibal from the Comox Valley Glacier Kings last December.

Hannibal said they were a significant addition as they helped the Generals improve their game in the second half of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League after a dismal start to the season.

The 18-year-old fraternal twins were a big boost to the Generals on both ends of the ice, offensively and defensively. They have been savouring and learning more about the Canadian brand of hockey.

Although they are twins, their individual style of play is quite different.

Alexandre is a blue-liner who has been instrumental in keeping opposing teams from overpowering Generals in their zone. He also has been a force offensively, racking up 34 points this season with seven goals and 27 assists.

Mathias is strong skater who can spark the Generals offence with his speed and positioning to be a scoring threat. He had 22 points with six goals and 16 assists.

Both have been playing in Canada for two years. Last season, they were in the Ontario Hockey Association. This season, they were first acquired by the Comox Valley Glacier Kings, who later traded them to the Generals.

They have become more acclimatized to the style of hockey in Canada, which both acknowledge is vastly different from what they're used to in Europe.

"In France, the rink is bigger, much bigger," said Mathias. "In France and Europe, you have to skate more and it's less physical because its bigger and you have more space. Here it's more physical and you have to be quick."

Mathias said when they first started playing here in Canada, they found the style challenging.

"I am not a big guy," Mathias said. "I could skate and be able to avoid getting hit. Everyday I did my best to get stronger and practised and practised. It took some time but now I can play here. We now like the game here. It's physical and quicker and that's fun to play."

Alexandre said, "If you have a good vision, you have to be quicker. We're good for that. We have to know the play before we have the puck. We like this kind of game."

Joining the Generals at their lowest was hard for the twins but they always gave it their best which was one of keys that significantly aided Oceanside to become more competitive in the second of the VIJHL season.

"After the break in Christmas, the team really showed up and we got better everyday," said Alexandre.

Both Mathias and Alexandre started playing hockey at age of six. They have been involved with the French junior elite hockey program and have represented the country.

"In France we have four programs for like the best players," said Mathias. "So, in order to be in the French team, you have to be in the four best teams in the league. We were in one of the best teams before we left for Canada."

Their ultimate goal in coming here to Canada is to be able to attract scouts from universities in the United States and gain scholarships. They both realized that they might not be playing together next season.

Hannibal hopes to have both players back in the Generals lineup next season though he said the twins are aiming to land a spot in one of the teams in the B.C. Hockey League.