After a weekend of hockey consisting of 2 games, when your team only allows 3 goals, one could expect to a get at least a win out of the deal, right? Well...this hard luck Winnipeg ICE team had to endure bitter defeat twice this past weekend, despite playing quite well in both games. A 2-0 loss at the hands of the Yellowhead Chiefs was only a little easier to take than a devastating 1-0 loss to the Westman Wildcats the following day.
The game against the Chiefs saw the ICE struggle to create opportunities and mount any sustained offensive pressure. While Kathleen Kosior held the ICE in for most of the game, stopping 26 of the 28 shots she faced, the Chiefs cruised to a 2-0 victory, getting some revenge on the ICE for a 5-2 loss earlier this year. The ICE battled hard for most of the 60 minutes, but their effort simply wasn't enough on this day. In addition to losing the game, the ICE lost Alexis Manningway to a knee injury. Alexis should be ready to return in two weeks.
Sunday's game was an opportunity for the ICE to exact some revenge on the Wildcats, who spoiled the home opener by defeating the ICE 5-1 on Oct. 5th. This was an extremely physical game once again, as these two familiar rivals refuse to give each other any room to move. The first period went back and forth, with both teams failing to capitalize on their chances. With 15 seconds left in a very well-played first period, disaster struck the ICE, when a giveaway led to a Wildcat knuckle-ball-like shot that trickled into the net with only 7 seconds left in the period. It was a painful way to end a very good period for the ICE. The players vowed to not panic, and spoke about patience for the final forty minutes. The rest of the game went just like the opening 20 minutes, back and forth, chances at both ends. Michelle Kerdes turned in an excellent performance in net for the ICE, stopping 27 of the 28 shots she faced, including a penalty shot. BUT, that painful goal at the end of the first period stood up as the game winning goal, as the ICE failed to score for a second straight game. The Wildcats found a way to win 1-0.
Only 6 games into the season is not the time for drastic measures, but the ICE need to be more committed to offense and play with more creativity in the offensive zone. This team will get there, but their work ethic and dedication will determine how fast it happens. It doesn't get any easier from here, as the ICE travel to Portage on Saturday to play the Capitals in their first road game of the year. The ICE will look to close out October on a winning note!
~Coach
