The Winnipeg Ice were full value on Sunday afternoon, in a game that saw a number of firsts for this young team. In perhaps the most complete game, the ICE skated to a tie with a tough Yellowhead Chiefs team at Notre Dame Arena. The Ice came out extremely strong and pushed the Chiefs to the limit through the opening 10 minutes. But, as has often been the case, the ICE were not able put one past the goalie early on. The Chiefs pushed back but Kathleen Kosior was very good when she needed to be in the first period of this game. The ICE seemed determined to take the lead before the end of the period, and their persistence paid off...very late in the period. With only 2.7 seconds left, Jane Roxburgh scored from Michelle Anderson and Carley Jewell, on a textbook behind the net passing play. The ICE were in the lead after the first period and they outshot their opponents 14-6 - both "firsts" for this team after the first frame. While pleased with their overall intensity and effort, the coaches and the players stressed the importance of the next 40 minutes, and while a 1-0 lead felt great, the ICE did miss a few opportunities to extend the lead.
The second period was another good one, for both teams. The play went back and forth, with both teams having chances to cash in. Kathleen Kosior was very good again for the ICE, as she made some key saves to keep the score 1-0 for the ICE. After a 5 on 3 powerplay for the ICE resulted in many shots...but unfortunately no goals...the Chiefs scored on their next powerplay chance, on a very nice deflection. The period ended 1-1, but the ICE once outshot their opponent for the second straight period - another "first" for this team. The players reminded each other that a full 60 minutes would be required to find that elusive W everyone has been dying to get. But, they spoke with great confidence that they could get the job done. A much different attitude that some of the previous games, one could tell that this team was not about to lose this one.
The third period turned out to be just as exciting as the first two, as both teams pressed for the winner. Both goaltenders were very good in net, and neither team ended up as the victor. Kosior saved her best period for last, as she preserved the tie for the ICE with a few dazzling saves before the final buzzer.
In the room after the game, the coaching staff expected a sense of relief...as they finally managed to earn at least 1 point - another 'first' for this team. But what the coaches actually found was some level of relief and happiness, but also hunger in the players' eyes to feel victory! Of course the players were pleased with their game, but it was obvious they wanted more. This 1 point was a huge step forward for this team, and they are ready to take a few more steps together. The ICE and Chiefs play the second game of their home and home series on Saturday in Shoal Lake at 7:00pm. Great job girls, let's go get that win!
~Coach
