Well...it's never good when the bus driver greets you in the parking lot, but there's no bus in sight...
That's how the day started, a 7 AM meeting time at the MTS Iceplex for the players and parents, a 7:15AM departure time, an awesome bus driver, but no bus. Not the best start to the weekend, but with a little patience and some extra coffee, the bus showed up and we departed shortly before 8 AM. The Winnipeg ICE got a much needed win 6 days earlier, so confidence was high as they sat on the bus for the 6 1/2 hour trip to The Pas to face the Norman Wild. A quick check-in at the hotel before heading out for a 4:00PM team meal, then back to the hotel for an hour of quiet time. Before boarding the bus on the way to the rink, the team tried to shake off the bus legs by re-living some of the games they played at the Team Launch Party in September. Since it was a bit brisk outside, and getting dark, this pre-pre-game warm-up lasted only 15 minutes, but it sure woke them up!
The first game of the weekend started very nicely for the ICE, as they started quickly and applied the pressure. The ICE managed to open the scoring when Jessi Campbell scored her 4th goal in two games, assisted by Rielle Chwartacki. Despite a long day on the bus, the energy seemed to be high, both on the ice and on the bench. However, a determined Wild team found a way back into the game, scoring twice before the period ended, taking a 2-1 lead into the intermission. The ICE were a little disappointed to be down after 1, but they held the balance of play and they outshot the Wild 19-12. Still feeling confident from their win on Sunday, the ICE vowed not to panic and seemed ready to get back in the game in the second period. The ICE took control early on in the second period, but couldn't score. But 10 minutes into the second frame Carley Jewell scored to tie the game at 2-2, assisted by Jessi Campbell. The teams traded chances for a few minutes, and Kathleen Kosior made several big saves to preserve a 2-2 score until the Wild took the lead again with just over 4 minutes to go. Determined to tie up before the period ended the ICE pushed back, and Maddy Neapew found the back of the net to tie the game up with only 2 minutes left. The momentum shifted back to the ICE after their 3rd goal, which allowed Carley Jewell to score her second goal of the night 1 minute later, from Jessi Campbell again. With 2 goals in the last 2 minutes of the 2nd period, the ICE were excited to hold a 4-3 lead going into the third period. The players spoke of composure and determination in playing the final 20 minutes as hard as the first 40. The third period was full of end to end action, but the ICE seemed to control the play deep in the Wild zone for most of the period. The Wild could only manage 6 shots on net, to the ICE's 18 in the final frame, and Kosior stopped them all. Rielle Chwartacki added an empty net goal to give the ICE their second straight win, 5-3. A very tired, but happy team, showed a lot of character by coming from behind twice and winning a tough road game. After the game, it was back to the hotel for a late night snack, and lights out at 11:30. The rematch awaited the ICE only 11 hours later...
The second game of the weekend was also a tight game between the ICE and the Wild. This game started quicker for the ICE as they jumped out to an early 2-0 lead on goals by Rielle Chwartacki, and Jane Roxburgh. Michelle Kerdes made some key saves in the first period, allowing the ICE to hold to 2-0 lead after the first period. As the weekend seemed to start to wear on the ICE, the players were reminded once again about how their success has been tied to playing a tough team game and working for 60 solid minutes. It would take 40 more minutes played at the same intensity to escape with another win. The Wild were not going away in the second period, as they clawed their way back into the game, scoring twice in the second period to even the score at 2-2. The ICE responded later in the period on Rielle Chwartacki's second goal of the night, assisted by Melissa Blaine, to earn a 3-2 lead after two periods. 20 minutes from a third straight win, left the players dying for the third period to begin. But the home team seemed to have the edge in the third, right out of the gate. The Wild scored twice in the first 10 minutes of the third period, to come all the way back and take a 4-3 lead. The ICE pressed for the tie, and outshot the Wild 16-6 in the third period, but their comeback fell short, as the Wild hung on for a 4-3 win. The ICE players were disappointed with the way the weekend ended, but did manage to see the countless positives of the weekend. BUT...what would a road trip be without visiting the rural town's hospital?? That's right, Ashley Kubic fell awkwardly, and her elbow pad shifted. While she didn't know it at the time, her elbow split and required some medical attention. Other than coming off briefly to shake off the fall, Ashley finished the game very strong. It wasn't until after the game that she noticed her elbow wasn't bruised it was split.
Already without Tasia Girden (knee), the ICE had to travel without Meara Grant, who could not play this weekend due to illness. The line-shuffle moved Carely Jewell from defence to forward and left the ICE with only 4 defence for the weekend. A big kudos goes out the ICE D for playing big minutes all weekend! Melissa Blaine, Sara Reuther, Allie Bednarz, and Ashley Kubic survived a tough weekend of hockey!
So overall it was a great weekend, the ICE played some very good hockey, but the players know that there's still much work to be done. This weekend was about bonding more, building confidence, and feeling some positive energy. With those goals in mind, it is safe to say that the weekend was a success. The coaching staff is proud of the way the team represented themselves, as the hotel staff was very impressed with how respectful and responsible the girls were this weekend. We have a long, long way to go, but one can see that strides have been made. Keep it up girls, it is happening.
~Coach
