This weekend looked to provide the ICE with a lot to thankful to be for...but after an impressive tie on Saturday night, the ICE fell in disappointing fashion to the Norman Wild, leaving an unsatisfied feeling for everyone involved.
After two days off, the ICE players were rested and ready to take on the league's first place team from Central Plains. The Saturday night game against the Capitals gave the ICE an opportunity to make up for a poor performance against that same team, in a 6-1 loss at the end of September. Both teams came out skating and the Caps pressed for an early goal. The ICE weathered the early storm and pushed back, looking for the game's opening goal. In a fast-paced, end to end first period, the Capitals out-shot the ICE 10-8, but the score stayed 0-0. The second period was pretty much the same, but the Capitals applied more pressure and seemed to hold the balance of play. The ICE players stuck to the systems and tried to outlast the Capitals momentum. The Capitals did manage to score the first goal of the game, but the ICE stayed in it, despite being out-shot 10-3 in the second period. After two periods, the players discussed what needed to be done in order to tie this game up, and the answer was 'patience' and 'hard work'. The ICE came out flying in the third, desperately trying to even the score. It was another exciting period of hockey, and the ICE started to believe they could tie it up. With just over 9 minutes remaining the 3rd period, Rielle Chwartacki scored to tie the game (assisted by Leah Hibbert and Renee Stevenson). Once tied, the ICE found another gear and looked to steal this game from the Capitals. Both teams had chances to win the game, but neither team could capitalize. A very impressive third period comeback by the ICE allowed them to earn a tie against arguably the league's best team. While nobody in the ICE dressing room is prepared to celebrate a tie...based on what this team has been through, this game could mean much more than just 1 point in the end.
Highlights: Kathleen Kosior stopped 27 of the 28 shots she faced. The ICE penalty kill was successful in all 3 of the penalty kills situations. All 17 players followed the game plan and refused to give up and played for each other.
Feeling good about Saturday night's performance, the ICE came into Sunday's game against a very hard-working Norman Wild team, looking to improve their unbeaten streak to 3 games. Despite out-shooting the Wild 13-6 in the first period, Norman opened the scoring late in the first period. It was a decent period overall for the ICE, but the only real mistake made ended up in the net. What really cost the ICE in the first period was the amount of races and battles for the puck the Wild were winning. This continued into the second period, as the ICE found themselves down 2-0 halfway through the period. The intensity and energy seemed to be missing, but the ICE felt that 1 goal could energize everyone. Finally, on the powerplay, Carley Jewell scored from Kelli Rowswell, which cut the lead to 2-1. The ICE pressed on for an equalizer, out-shooting Norman 16-9 in the second frame, but they couldn't solve the Wild goaltender again this period. The coaches asked for patience once again at intermission, urging the players to do whatever it would take to find a way to come back in this game. Nobody in the ICE dressing was at all satisfied with the way the team had played, but a strong 3rd period could save the game and earn the win. The third period started and the teams battled for possession. The ICE pressed hard but couldn't find a way to score in the first 10 minutes of the third. It was by far the best period the ICE had played today, but that wouldn't matter if they couldn't tie it up. Finally, with 6 minutes left in the game, Kelli Rowswell scored on the powerplay, from Renee Stevenson, to tie the game at 2. It looked like the ICE had saved themselves from a disappointing defeat, as time wound down in the third period. However, on a quick transition the Wild got a 2 on 1 situation and found a way to make it 3-2 with less than 3 minutes left in the game. The ICE pressed hard to tie it in the end, but the Wild added an empty net goal to win 4-2. Lesson to be learned from this game: you can't play your best for 10 of the 60 minutes against any team in this league and expect to win. Full credit goes to the Wild who came in playing their 3rd game in 3 days and out-worked and outplayed the ICE on this day.
Highlights: Michelle Kerdes made a lot of big saves to keep the ICE close, especially in the third period. The ICE special teams was excellent: PP was 2 for 3, PK was 6 for 6.
All in all a very disappointing and painful loss for the ICE, but no real reason to push the panic button. This is an extremely long season, and the ICE will have to stay grounded when they are winning and keep their heads up when things don't go their way. Sunday's performance was unacceptable, there is no doubt about that, but Saturday's performance gives reason for optimism. In BOTH games this weekend the ICE fell behind but didn't fold and they battled back...resiliency is a very important quality that all teams need to find. There is much work to do, and luckily enough for the ICE...everyone here is prepared to put in that hard work. Embrace the opportunity. Hold the rope. 24 games to go...we're just getting started.
~Coach
