Here's a quick recap of the past two weekends in Western Manitoba, as the ICE found their way to Brandon on back-to-back weekends.
Feb 9th & 10th saw the ICE play their final two regular season games in Hartney and Shoal Lake. While their previous trip to these two towns in November was a nightmare (if you really want to re-live that road trip...simply find the post on this blog in November...but it wasn't pretty), this trip was better...but didn't yield any more points. On February 9th the ICE were in Hartney to face the Wildcats. The ICE managed to play a tough game, but took a 15 minute break in the second period which allowed Westman to score three times. The ICE won the final period, but it was far too little and much to late, make the final 5-1 Westman.
On February 10th the ICE were in Shoal Lake to face the Yellowhead Chiefs. This game was much closer, as both teams had chances to score early on. The Chiefs led 2-1 going into the third period, but the ICE once again allowed the intensity to drop for short period of time, and the Chiefs scored 3 straight goals to lead 5-1. The ICE didn't back down however, as they scored the next two goals to get closer at 5-3. Time ran out on the ICE, as time expired on the regular season. Chiefs 5, ICE 3 was the final.
The ICE were back in Hartney this past weekend for the Westman Showcase. The team played 4 games this weekend, all intending to allow for final preparations for the playoffs. It was a short bench all weekend for the ICE, as Elizabeth Carter and Allie Bednarz were both unable to play due to injury. The ICE came out strong against Eastman on Friday afternoon, outshooting the Selects 46-26, but a lackluster third period allowed the Selects to break a 1-1 tie in the third period with 3 goals, to win 4-1.
Next up was a preview of the MFMHL first round playoff match-up against the powerful Westman Wildcats. Once again, the ICE stood tall for long stretches of the game against Westman, keeping the score at a respectful 4-2 until midway through the third period. Michelle Kerdes was excellent in net for the ICE, as she kept the team in the game as long as she could. But halfway through the third period, Westman made it 5-2 on a powerplay, and added another before the end of the game for a 6-2 win. Despite the scoreline, the ICE were pleased with the effort for the most part. Many players stepped up and played a great game today, and the PK was very good, only allowing the impressive Wilcat PP 1 goal in this game.
Later that evening it was a rematch of the 1st game of the season for the ICE, as they faced the Swift Current Wildcats. Another very well played game by both teams, saw a 1-1 tie midway through the 3rd period. The Wildcats scored twice within a 5 minute span to take a 3-1 lead, but the ICE didn't back down. The ICE found a way to make it 3-2 and pressed to score in the final seconds to tie it up, but fate was once again not on their side. Despite playing two pretty solid games on this day, the ICE came up empty handed.
The final game of the weekend saw the ICE take on Assiniboine Community College. The ICE jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead after 1 period, outshooting ACC 24-3. ACC found a way back into the game with a goal 10 minutes into the second period, but the ICE were not to be outdone, as they made it 3-1 within minutes of the ACC goal. With even a shorter bench today than the previous 3 games, the ICE dug deep and dominated the third period as well, firing 22 shots, and only allowing 5, ultimately winning the game 4-2. The ICE fired a season high 58 shots on net, with every single player on the ICE recording at least one shot on goal. It was a great way to end a long weekend of hockey, and hopefully provided the pick-up they'll need as they head back the Hartney for the third straight weekend, for Game #1 of the quarter-finals against the Westman Wildcats on Saturday at 4:00pm.
~Coach
