After 6 months of hard work, the 2012-2013 season ended on Friday night in Hartney, for the Winnipeg ICE. There aren't words to really capture the emotions in the ICE dressing room following the game #3 defeat at the hands of the Westman Wildcats, what was said in the room following the game will remain between the players and coaches. But here's a recap of the playoffs and overall view of the season for the Winnipeg ICE.
The Wildcats managed to win 6-0, 5-1, and 4-0 over the ICE in the quarterfinals of the MFMHL. The ICE battled hard in all 3 games, but the Wildcats' firepower could not be contained. In all 3 games, there were long stretches of play where the teams battled back and forth evenly, but in each game (and usually only for 5 or 6 minutes), the ICE allowed the Wildcats to take control. There were many bright spots for the ICE, as the underdogs never did quit. The team stayed together until the bitter end, and supported each other until the final buzzer.
As for the season, nobody from this team is satisfied with the early exit from the MFMHL playoffs. Nobody is satisfied with the overall record either. BUT, given what this team had to overcome this season, the players and the coaching staff have a lot to be proud of. That being said...there are no excuses.
Losing takes a toll, there is no doubt about that. But losing also allows for lessons to be learned. The players, and coaches, have learned more about themselves, more about what it takes to be part of a team, and more about staying positive through good times and bad, than they would ever had done if they won every game this season. The girls on this team deserve a huge amount of credit for staying true to each other all season long. They went to war for/with each other on a consistent basis, and gave themselves to this team, fully and completely. They worked hard on and off the ice, and improved by leaps and bounds, since the first practice in September.
Other than the overall record, the season went pretty well as planned, as the players learned new systems and played with new linemates. Sure, mistakes were made along the way, but the coaches now have a better sense of what needs to be done for next season, after battling through this season in the MFMHL. Expect some changes in way things are done with the Winnipeg ICE, but you count on the same passion, enthusiasm, and dedication shown by every member of the Winnipeg ICE family next season. The amazing team atmosphere created by the players this season is expected once again next season, along with better results.
To our 1995s: thank you for your dedication and commitment! All the best in your future endeavors. You will always be members of the ICE and please don't forget to visit us next year, you will always be welcome in our family!
To our 1996s & 1997s: thanks for everything you did this year! You are the future of this program...get ready for an amazing ride, we have some unfinished business to tend to! Next season is not that far away...
Although disappointed with the end result, the coaching staff is honoured to have had the chance to work with these 17 very special players. It takes an amazing group of girls to show up every day with a smile and play their hearts out on a daily basis, despite the losses piling up. Keep your heads up, girls...you made us proud every single day, and we will not soon forget our time with the 2012-2013 Winnipeg ICE! Fear the passion! Hold the rope!
Thanks to the parents for their support this season. Thanks to our amazing strength & conditioning coach Darlene Sveinson! Thanks to Henry (team owner...kind of) for keeping us organized and making us laugh. And huge thanks to Jim and Zack for being two of the best coaches around!
This is not The End...stay tuned, there are big things ahead for the Winnipeg ICE...the future is bright!
Bryan Williams
Head Coach - Winnipeg Ice AAA Hockey
