Another weekend of hockey went by with the Winnipeg Ice playing two away games. Both games saw the Ice play extremely well at times, but both games also showed the importance of playing 60 full minutes.
Friday night in Ste. Anne, Manitoba, the Winnipeg Ice and Eastman Selects played a back and forth game for most of the night. The Selects came out very strong in the first period, but Kathleen Kosior was excellent in net for the Ice. With the score 0-0 to begin the second, the Ice vowed to pick up the pace and take some of the momentum away from the Selects. Despite a much stronger period from the Ice, Eastman scored on a powerplay 2:30 into the period. The Ice pushed back, seemingly not phased by falling behind, and pushed the pace once again, but could not find the back of the net. About 9 minutes later, Eastman scored from behind the goal line, and with that favorable bounce they took a 2-0 lead. The Ice stayed in it for the rest of the period, finally scoring a powerplay of their own when Michelle Anderson, after getting a pass from Sara Reuther, walked the lane and found the back of the net. The score remained 2-1 for the Selects as the third period began. Despite their slow start the Ice were confident they could win the third period, and try to walk away with a win. Even though the Ice outshot the Selects 7-6 in the third period, they could not tie the game and the score showed 2-1 for the Selects as time ran out. After the game the players pointed to the fact that 60 solid minutes of work would have gotten the job done, but on this day they came up short of that. It was not all bad news for the Ice on Friday, as the girls finally got their sharp new team apparel! The team can still take positives from this game, despite the disappointing result.
On Sunday the Ice faced their closest rival, the Winnipeg Avros. Both teams seemed to be more than motivated for this game, and neither team disappointed in the first two periods. The Ice came out very strong and took control of the play on the first shift of the game. However, on the second shift, the Avros took a 1-0 lead on a very nice individual effort from one of their stars. Not willing to let that goal affect them, the Ice pushed back hard and managed to get some momentum throughout the next 15 minutes. With 5 minutes to go in the first period the Avros worked the powerplay to perfection and managed to make it 2-0, which is the way the period ended. Despite the 2-0 deficit, the dressing room was upbeat and positive, as the Ice showed signs of being able to get back in this game. Michelle Kerdes was strong in net all night, and would give the Ice a chance to come back in the second period. 4 minutes into the second period, the Ice closed the gap on the powerplay, as Jessi Campbell scored top-shelf off a pass from Ashley Kubic. It was a very similar goal to Michelle Anderson's PP goal the night before. She took the pass and drove the lane before shooting it top corner. The Ice were back in the game and pushed for more. In perhaps the most exciting game of the season so far, the teams skated back and forth up the ice trying to gain momentum. Despite having some great chances, the Ice couldn't tie it up and the period ended 2-1 for the Avros. The intermission brought even more confidence to an already fired up Ice team. The players had played some of their best hockey this season and truly gave everything they had for 40 minutes against a very skilled Avros team. Heading into the third period, all the Ice felt they needed was a break and to find a way to tie it up at 2. However, the Avros proved to be much too strong on this day, and Ice failed to play at the level they did for the first two periods. The Avros scored early in the third period to take some of the wind out of the Ice's sails, and then twice more in a span of 31 seconds to seal the deal. The game ended 6-1 for the cross-town rival Avros, though the game was much closer than the scoreline would indicate.
If nothing else, the Winnipeg Ice were painfully reminded, in both games this weekend, that they belong in this league and can compete with any team, BUT that 60 full minutes of giving everything they have is required on a nightly basis. As tough as it seems to believe right now, this team is making strides. As the team was reminded on Friday, "it's doesn't matter how often you get knocked down, the only thing that matters is how many times you get back up". This team refuses to stay down, they will get back up. Good things are on the horizon, the day is always darkest just before sunrise.
~Coach
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Monday, October 8, 2012
Slows start costs the ICE dearly...
Falling behind 3-0 in the first 10 minutes to any team in this league is devastating, nevermind when it's the defending league and National Champions. A bad break and bounce resulted in Pembina Valley's first goal, which was quickly followed up by 2 very skilled deflection goals on shots from the point. The Ice players were stunned at first, but refused to feel sorry for themselves and tried to claw their way back in the game. The rest of the first period was much better, as both teams traded chances but no more goals were scored. The Hawks outshot the Ice 14-6 in the first frame. At intermission the team spoke of patience and looked to build on their play in the second half of the first period. The Ice came out strong and put together one of their best periods of the season, resulting in a hard-working goal by Emily Barber, who scored off of a rebound. Barber's new linemates Elizabeth Carter and Madison Neapew both assisted on the goal. Pembina Valley pushed back but goaltender Michelle Kerdes stood strong in next for the Ice. The second period ended with the Ice trailing 3-1, but confidence was high. The Ice continued their strong play in the third, but PV flexed their muscles and pushed to the stretch their lead. On a late powerplay, PV found a way to beat Kerdes, and seemed to end the Ice attempt for a comeback. The Ice seemed unsettled after the goal for a few shifts, but nobody was ready to submit to defeat just yet. Immediately following a timeout, that seemed to settled the nerves a bit, the Barber, Neapew, Carter line struck again, as Carter scored on a breakaway to bring the Ice back to within 2 goals again. Spirits on the bench shot sky high and a chance to get back in this game reappeared. However, Pembina Valley once again proved why they will be favorites this year too, as they replied on the next shift with a goal to seal the deal at 5-2.
Another score line that doesn't flatter this team, but one that also doesn't tell the whole story. After falling behind 3-0 early, the Ice battled a very tough team to a 2-2 tie the rest of the way. The team did not have any excuses, they simply know where they need to improve in order to start winning games. A 0-2 start is not acceptable, but as the team makes small steps to improve each and every day, tasting victory will not be too far around the corner.
In other team news, the players were asked to vote for their team Captains, and the coaching staff was proud to announce the following:
Captain: Melissa Blaine
Assistant Captains: Michelle Anderson, Chantel Olson, Emily Barber, and Ashley Kubic
The team will have 2 assistant captains on each colour of jersey.
~Coach
Another score line that doesn't flatter this team, but one that also doesn't tell the whole story. After falling behind 3-0 early, the Ice battled a very tough team to a 2-2 tie the rest of the way. The team did not have any excuses, they simply know where they need to improve in order to start winning games. A 0-2 start is not acceptable, but as the team makes small steps to improve each and every day, tasting victory will not be too far around the corner.
In other team news, the players were asked to vote for their team Captains, and the coaching staff was proud to announce the following:
Captain: Melissa Blaine
Assistant Captains: Michelle Anderson, Chantel Olson, Emily Barber, and Ashley Kubic
The team will have 2 assistant captains on each colour of jersey.
~Coach
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Home opener provides excitement but not the right result...
It was definitely exciting to watch the Winnipeg Ice open their regular season at home on Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately, the end result was not what the home side was looking for.
The Central Plains Capitals spoiled the party Saturday afternoon, fresh off of their own home opener victory on Friday night over Westman. The Capitals scored 2 goals in each period, upending the Ice 6-2.
The first few shifts were fast paced, with the Ice coming out strong and nearly scoring in the opening minute of the game. The Capitals weathered the storm early on and were able the find the net just under 5 minutes into the first period. They found the net again, with 5 minutes left in the period, this time on the powerplay. Despite a quick start, the Ice only managed 3 shots on net in the first period, while they allowed 8 shots against. The second period started the same way as the first, as the Ice had the first chance. But, the Capitals made the Ice pay for a mistake early on in the second period to take a 3-0 lead, and eventually took a 4-0 lead. The Ice tried to take back momentum and worked hard to shift the balance of play, and managed to get a goal back late in the period, as Michelle Anderson scored on a rebound; her linemates Emily Barber and Rielle Chwartacki both got assists. The Ice were poised to finish the period on a high note, despite being down 4-1. The team spoke of minimizing mistakes in the third, and refused to admit defeat after only 40 minutes. The Ice came out strong in the third period, as usually seems to be the case so far this year, and pushed the pace early in the period. As time started to drift away, the Ice pressed for another goal, but the Capitals once again proved too strong on this day, finding the back of the net again to make it 5-1. The teams traded goals later in the period, as Michelle Anderson scored on the powerplay, with an assist from Melissa Blaine. The game ended 6-2, with the Capitals outshooting the Ice 40-12. Kathleen Kosior played very well in net for the Ice, but the Capitals seemed to, well...capitalize...on every single mistake made by the Ice.
Today's game certainly did not go as planned, but once again the Ice continue to make strides as a team. Simply improving, and doing a lot of good things, will not literally earn points in the standings, but it is a sign that this team is in the right direction. Too many mistakes cost the Ice today, but the players know it. As they continue to build as a team, continue to do the difficult things well, and start to minimize their mistakes, this team will hit their stride and win some hockey games. Stay positive girls, your hard work will definitely pay off! Next up, a date with the champs in Morden on Sunday. Go Ice Go!
~Coach
The Central Plains Capitals spoiled the party Saturday afternoon, fresh off of their own home opener victory on Friday night over Westman. The Capitals scored 2 goals in each period, upending the Ice 6-2.
The first few shifts were fast paced, with the Ice coming out strong and nearly scoring in the opening minute of the game. The Capitals weathered the storm early on and were able the find the net just under 5 minutes into the first period. They found the net again, with 5 minutes left in the period, this time on the powerplay. Despite a quick start, the Ice only managed 3 shots on net in the first period, while they allowed 8 shots against. The second period started the same way as the first, as the Ice had the first chance. But, the Capitals made the Ice pay for a mistake early on in the second period to take a 3-0 lead, and eventually took a 4-0 lead. The Ice tried to take back momentum and worked hard to shift the balance of play, and managed to get a goal back late in the period, as Michelle Anderson scored on a rebound; her linemates Emily Barber and Rielle Chwartacki both got assists. The Ice were poised to finish the period on a high note, despite being down 4-1. The team spoke of minimizing mistakes in the third, and refused to admit defeat after only 40 minutes. The Ice came out strong in the third period, as usually seems to be the case so far this year, and pushed the pace early in the period. As time started to drift away, the Ice pressed for another goal, but the Capitals once again proved too strong on this day, finding the back of the net again to make it 5-1. The teams traded goals later in the period, as Michelle Anderson scored on the powerplay, with an assist from Melissa Blaine. The game ended 6-2, with the Capitals outshooting the Ice 40-12. Kathleen Kosior played very well in net for the Ice, but the Capitals seemed to, well...capitalize...on every single mistake made by the Ice.
Today's game certainly did not go as planned, but once again the Ice continue to make strides as a team. Simply improving, and doing a lot of good things, will not literally earn points in the standings, but it is a sign that this team is in the right direction. Too many mistakes cost the Ice today, but the players know it. As they continue to build as a team, continue to do the difficult things well, and start to minimize their mistakes, this team will hit their stride and win some hockey games. Stay positive girls, your hard work will definitely pay off! Next up, a date with the champs in Morden on Sunday. Go Ice Go!
~Coach
Final thoughts before it all begins...
In just over 5 hours the Winnipeg Ice will begin a 6 month journey towards the MFMHL playoffs, with their season opening game against the Central Plains Capitals. Since the roster was announced, the team has certainly done a lot in practice and in the gym. The start of the regular season will certainly not mark the end of the learning curve for these players, as each one of them will need to keep learning how to play at an elite level every single game.
The coaches are very pleased with what the team has accomplished so far. The team systems are mostly in place, and the players were able to demonstrate that in some of the games last weekend. In order to have success today, and into the next few games, the players will have to play the team systems better and better each shift, and minimize their early season mistakes.
After a winless exhibition weekend, many people will label this team as the underdog...which is fine by us. However, as this team continues to build and as they work to establish a gritty identity throughout the league, teams better be careful not to underestimate this squad. It was said in one of the first posts on this blog...there is something very special and unique about this group of players, and the league is about to find out first hand!
~Coach
The coaches are very pleased with what the team has accomplished so far. The team systems are mostly in place, and the players were able to demonstrate that in some of the games last weekend. In order to have success today, and into the next few games, the players will have to play the team systems better and better each shift, and minimize their early season mistakes.
After a winless exhibition weekend, many people will label this team as the underdog...which is fine by us. However, as this team continues to build and as they work to establish a gritty identity throughout the league, teams better be careful not to underestimate this squad. It was said in one of the first posts on this blog...there is something very special and unique about this group of players, and the league is about to find out first hand!
~Coach
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Weekend Recap...
This weekend was full of ups and downs, something every team should expect when they play their first 4 exhibition games of the season. While nobody in the Winnipeg Ice dressing room will tell you that this weekend went precisely as planned, the team got over some early nerves, played the champs very tough, and learned a lot about the teams in this league, and also about themselves. The coaching staff and players would have certainly preferred to be in win column this weekend, but truth be told, this weekend was more about learning about teammates, playing the systems, and coming together as a team. The wins become important next Saturday, this past weekend of exhibition games were simply that..a four game pre-season exhibition to get the kinks out. The players did a lot of things exactly as they have been told, and they made leaps of progress from Friday to Sunday. But ask any player on the roster, and they will admit they made a few mistakes along the way as well. Which is certainly what is to be expected this early on.
The first game was explained in a previous post, so we'll recap the last 3 games below.
Perhaps the most exciting game of the weekend was Saturday afternoon as the Winnipeg Ice played last year's National Champions, the Pembina Valley Hawks. After a slow start in the first game of the weekend, the Ice vowed to get going quickly. PV came out very strong on the first shift however, and had 3 good chances on net. Kathleen Kosior made some huge saves on the first shift, as her teammates adjusted to a very quick pace. The Ice weathered the storm and started to push back, leading to a nice goal by Michelle Anderson on a tip from Melissa Blaine's shot from the point. PV pushed back hard and finally managed to beat Kosior about 3 minutes later to tie the game at 1. The first period ended 1-1. The second period was much the same, as the pace was ramped up by a strong skating Hawks team. The Ice held their own and pushed back just as hard, and found a way to take 2-1 lead on a very nice goal by Rielle Chwartacki, who broke free and got a pass from Ashley Kubic, and ended up putting it in the top corner of the net. The 2-1 lead was also short-lived as PV came back and scored on the next shift. The second period also ended in a tie, this time at 2. The Ice were gaining confidence every single shift, and they refused to back down. Although completely exhausted in the second intermission, it was clear they felt great. The third period went much like the first two, and goaltender Kosior continued to put on a show. Spirits were high on the bench, and the players could sense they could get a good result against a very tough team. With the game still tied 2-2 with 5 minutes left, the play was going back and forth but the Hawks were holding the balance of play. With just over 4 minutes to go, PV managed to take the lead 3-2, their first lead of the game. The Hawks proved why they are one of the teams to beat again this year, by finding a way to win a tight checking, hard fought game. PV added one more with a minute to go to win 4-2. Kathleen Kosior stopped 43 of 47 shots in this game.
In the dressing room after the game, the Ice players were understandably disappointed, but the coaches certainly were not. No, a 4-2 loss is not what we were after, but the way the team played (in just their second game together) points to an extremely bright future for this team. The players refused to be pushed around, they battled right up until the end, and they played for each other. What else could a coaching staff ask for? Great work girls, keep your heads up high!
After a quick team meal and a short break the Ice were back at it against the Norman Wild. After such a spirited game a few hours earlier, there is always danger of a let down, especially this early in the season. But the Ice vowed to play the same game as earlier in the day, and they lived up to it early on by taking the lead 15 minutes into the game on a goal by Michelle Anderson. Norman replied quickly, as the first period ended tied at 1. Michelle Kerdes was solid in net through the first period, stopping 7 of the 8 Norman shots. The second period turned out to be the worst of the weekend for the Ice, as Norman built a 4-1 lead through 40 minutes. For whatever reason, the Ice were not firing on all cylinders and were did not have the spark that shone so bright in the earlier game. The intermission seemed a lot longer for the Ice, as the team discussed some corrections and tried to re-kindle some of the spirit that allowed the team to perform so well a few hours before. Whatever was discussed sure seemed to work, as the Ice quickly cut into the lead, making it 4-3 only 3 minutes into the third period. First it was Meara Grant scoring a beauty one-timer goal, assisted by Allie Bednarz. Then Melissa Blaine rushed the puck into the Norman zone and fired one over the goalie's shoulder. The bench was alive and the Ice were determined to pull this one out. But a bad bounce led to Norman's fifth goal and ultimately sealed the 5-3 win for the Wild. This was a tough one for Ice to take, as their confidence was as high as ever going in to this one. The Ice did out-shoot the Wild 37-32.
Sunday was a new day, and the Ice reflected on a very emotional Saturday. The plan was to go out and play a solid team game. The bounces hadn't really gone the Ice's way all weekend, which did not change in the first two minutes of this game either. Yellowhead opened the scoring a minute and 30 seconds into the game on a bank shot off of Kathleen Kosior's skate, after she made two big saves. The goal seemed to stun the bench for the next few shifts. The game went back and forth for the whole game, as the 1-0 score stood up though the first and second periods. A very long weekend of hockey wrapped up in the third period, as Ice fell behind 3-0 before Rielle Chwartacki found the net with 4 minutes to go. Yellowhead played a solid game, and ended up taking it 3-1.
A weekend of ups and downs, but a lot of lessons learned. Despite not finding the win column yet, the Ice can be very proud of how they played this weekend. They players know what needs to be corrected and they definitely know about all the things they all did extremely well. Most of all, the players supported their teammates, through the up and downs, all weekend long. It was positive on the bench and in the dressing room throughout the entire weekend. Was it the result the team wanted for this weekend? No, definitely not. But as of today, the team's league record is 0-0-0. It all starts for real on Saturday. As a team, the Ice will succeed...it's only a matter of time. We are proud of you girls! Go Ice Go!
~Coach
The first game was explained in a previous post, so we'll recap the last 3 games below.
Perhaps the most exciting game of the weekend was Saturday afternoon as the Winnipeg Ice played last year's National Champions, the Pembina Valley Hawks. After a slow start in the first game of the weekend, the Ice vowed to get going quickly. PV came out very strong on the first shift however, and had 3 good chances on net. Kathleen Kosior made some huge saves on the first shift, as her teammates adjusted to a very quick pace. The Ice weathered the storm and started to push back, leading to a nice goal by Michelle Anderson on a tip from Melissa Blaine's shot from the point. PV pushed back hard and finally managed to beat Kosior about 3 minutes later to tie the game at 1. The first period ended 1-1. The second period was much the same, as the pace was ramped up by a strong skating Hawks team. The Ice held their own and pushed back just as hard, and found a way to take 2-1 lead on a very nice goal by Rielle Chwartacki, who broke free and got a pass from Ashley Kubic, and ended up putting it in the top corner of the net. The 2-1 lead was also short-lived as PV came back and scored on the next shift. The second period also ended in a tie, this time at 2. The Ice were gaining confidence every single shift, and they refused to back down. Although completely exhausted in the second intermission, it was clear they felt great. The third period went much like the first two, and goaltender Kosior continued to put on a show. Spirits were high on the bench, and the players could sense they could get a good result against a very tough team. With the game still tied 2-2 with 5 minutes left, the play was going back and forth but the Hawks were holding the balance of play. With just over 4 minutes to go, PV managed to take the lead 3-2, their first lead of the game. The Hawks proved why they are one of the teams to beat again this year, by finding a way to win a tight checking, hard fought game. PV added one more with a minute to go to win 4-2. Kathleen Kosior stopped 43 of 47 shots in this game.
In the dressing room after the game, the Ice players were understandably disappointed, but the coaches certainly were not. No, a 4-2 loss is not what we were after, but the way the team played (in just their second game together) points to an extremely bright future for this team. The players refused to be pushed around, they battled right up until the end, and they played for each other. What else could a coaching staff ask for? Great work girls, keep your heads up high!
After a quick team meal and a short break the Ice were back at it against the Norman Wild. After such a spirited game a few hours earlier, there is always danger of a let down, especially this early in the season. But the Ice vowed to play the same game as earlier in the day, and they lived up to it early on by taking the lead 15 minutes into the game on a goal by Michelle Anderson. Norman replied quickly, as the first period ended tied at 1. Michelle Kerdes was solid in net through the first period, stopping 7 of the 8 Norman shots. The second period turned out to be the worst of the weekend for the Ice, as Norman built a 4-1 lead through 40 minutes. For whatever reason, the Ice were not firing on all cylinders and were did not have the spark that shone so bright in the earlier game. The intermission seemed a lot longer for the Ice, as the team discussed some corrections and tried to re-kindle some of the spirit that allowed the team to perform so well a few hours before. Whatever was discussed sure seemed to work, as the Ice quickly cut into the lead, making it 4-3 only 3 minutes into the third period. First it was Meara Grant scoring a beauty one-timer goal, assisted by Allie Bednarz. Then Melissa Blaine rushed the puck into the Norman zone and fired one over the goalie's shoulder. The bench was alive and the Ice were determined to pull this one out. But a bad bounce led to Norman's fifth goal and ultimately sealed the 5-3 win for the Wild. This was a tough one for Ice to take, as their confidence was as high as ever going in to this one. The Ice did out-shoot the Wild 37-32.
Sunday was a new day, and the Ice reflected on a very emotional Saturday. The plan was to go out and play a solid team game. The bounces hadn't really gone the Ice's way all weekend, which did not change in the first two minutes of this game either. Yellowhead opened the scoring a minute and 30 seconds into the game on a bank shot off of Kathleen Kosior's skate, after she made two big saves. The goal seemed to stun the bench for the next few shifts. The game went back and forth for the whole game, as the 1-0 score stood up though the first and second periods. A very long weekend of hockey wrapped up in the third period, as Ice fell behind 3-0 before Rielle Chwartacki found the net with 4 minutes to go. Yellowhead played a solid game, and ended up taking it 3-1.
A weekend of ups and downs, but a lot of lessons learned. Despite not finding the win column yet, the Ice can be very proud of how they played this weekend. They players know what needs to be corrected and they definitely know about all the things they all did extremely well. Most of all, the players supported their teammates, through the up and downs, all weekend long. It was positive on the bench and in the dressing room throughout the entire weekend. Was it the result the team wanted for this weekend? No, definitely not. But as of today, the team's league record is 0-0-0. It all starts for real on Saturday. As a team, the Ice will succeed...it's only a matter of time. We are proud of you girls! Go Ice Go!
~Coach
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Nobody said it would be easy...
The Winnipeg Ice finally got to play their first game as a team on Friday afternoon, in the first of four games of an exhibition showcase in Portage. The excitement was noticeable in the dressing room prior to the game, but the nerves were also evident.
The excitement lasted through warm-up and into the first period, as the Ice won the opening face-off, and immediately attacked the Swift Current Wildcats net. But as was the case in the dressing room before the game, the excitement in the players was accompanied by a lot of nervousness.
After that opening minute chance for the Ice, the Wildcats began to take over the first half of the first period, and managed to open the scoring midway through the period. The Winnipeg Ice settled down after the goal and took some of the momentum back near the end of the first period. The teams traded a few chances as the period wound down, but the Wildcats added another goal before the end of the period to make it 2-0, out-shooting the Ice 9-8.
The Ice players said all the right things at intermission, and the coaches stressed the importance of the little things required to be successful. It was clear that the players were confident going out for the second period, but they needed to buckle down and make something happen. Passing was the biggest concern in the first period, something that is often an issue during a team's first ever game together.
The Ice started the second period on fire, and took control of the game right from the face-off. The passing improved and the nerves seemed to begin to disappear. The Wildcats held their own however, as they used their size advantage to control the physical aspects of the game. A few 2 on 1s for the Ice in the second period nearly led to goals, but the Wildcats' goaltender stood strong. Finally, Elizabeth Carter found the back of the net off of a Jane Roxburgh rebound, scoring the first goal of the season for the Ice.
Spirits were high on the bench, and the second period was much better than the first for the Ice. But passing and lack of familiarity with teammates remained an issue for the rest of the second period. Just as the Ice were pressing for the equalizer, the Wildcats managed to squeak one past Michelle Kerdes to regain a 2 goal lead going into the third period.
Understandably, the Ice were a little deflated by that third goal against, but they remained positive about the improvement from the first period to the second. Nobody was about to give up on this game, but they knew the third period would need to be their best. The nerves were gone, but tired legs would start to show, as the players got a taste of what three 20 minute periods were all about.
The Ice controlled most of the third period, and lived up to their statement that the third period would be their best. Michelle Kerdes stood tall in net, giving the Ice a chance to come back in this game. Despite a solid third period, the Ice could not solve the Wildcats tough defensive zone and goalie, leading to a 3-1 loss in their first game of the season, ending up getting out-shot 25-24.
A team should never be judged by their opening game of the season, as there were certainly things that happened in this game that need to be fixed. But the team also did a lot of things very well in this game and followed the game plan set out by the coaches. The specifics of what they did very well tonight will remain between the coaches and players, but expect this team to improve quickly as they get to play more and more games together. With more games played comes more opportunity to develop chemistry with linemates and teammates. The coaching staff is happy with the work ethic of the team and the 'never say die' attitude. This team will have success, but they will have to keep working for it...and they will do just that.
Next up for the Ice is great opportunity to face the 2012 Esso Cup Champions, the PV Hawks at 12:15pm on Saturday! Go Ice!
~Coach
The excitement lasted through warm-up and into the first period, as the Ice won the opening face-off, and immediately attacked the Swift Current Wildcats net. But as was the case in the dressing room before the game, the excitement in the players was accompanied by a lot of nervousness.
After that opening minute chance for the Ice, the Wildcats began to take over the first half of the first period, and managed to open the scoring midway through the period. The Winnipeg Ice settled down after the goal and took some of the momentum back near the end of the first period. The teams traded a few chances as the period wound down, but the Wildcats added another goal before the end of the period to make it 2-0, out-shooting the Ice 9-8.
The Ice players said all the right things at intermission, and the coaches stressed the importance of the little things required to be successful. It was clear that the players were confident going out for the second period, but they needed to buckle down and make something happen. Passing was the biggest concern in the first period, something that is often an issue during a team's first ever game together.
The Ice started the second period on fire, and took control of the game right from the face-off. The passing improved and the nerves seemed to begin to disappear. The Wildcats held their own however, as they used their size advantage to control the physical aspects of the game. A few 2 on 1s for the Ice in the second period nearly led to goals, but the Wildcats' goaltender stood strong. Finally, Elizabeth Carter found the back of the net off of a Jane Roxburgh rebound, scoring the first goal of the season for the Ice.
Spirits were high on the bench, and the second period was much better than the first for the Ice. But passing and lack of familiarity with teammates remained an issue for the rest of the second period. Just as the Ice were pressing for the equalizer, the Wildcats managed to squeak one past Michelle Kerdes to regain a 2 goal lead going into the third period.
Understandably, the Ice were a little deflated by that third goal against, but they remained positive about the improvement from the first period to the second. Nobody was about to give up on this game, but they knew the third period would need to be their best. The nerves were gone, but tired legs would start to show, as the players got a taste of what three 20 minute periods were all about.
The Ice controlled most of the third period, and lived up to their statement that the third period would be their best. Michelle Kerdes stood tall in net, giving the Ice a chance to come back in this game. Despite a solid third period, the Ice could not solve the Wildcats tough defensive zone and goalie, leading to a 3-1 loss in their first game of the season, ending up getting out-shot 25-24.
A team should never be judged by their opening game of the season, as there were certainly things that happened in this game that need to be fixed. But the team also did a lot of things very well in this game and followed the game plan set out by the coaches. The specifics of what they did very well tonight will remain between the coaches and players, but expect this team to improve quickly as they get to play more and more games together. With more games played comes more opportunity to develop chemistry with linemates and teammates. The coaching staff is happy with the work ethic of the team and the 'never say die' attitude. This team will have success, but they will have to keep working for it...and they will do just that.
Next up for the Ice is great opportunity to face the 2012 Esso Cup Champions, the PV Hawks at 12:15pm on Saturday! Go Ice!
~Coach
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Time to play...
Are they ready?
We think so...
...It's hard to tell, after giving everything they had at practice, almost daily, for two weeks, the players have to be excited to play on Friday. But are they ready to play? Yes, we're almost certain they are...but we won't really know until the puck drops for the first time on this 2012-2013 Winnipeg Ice season.
What we do know for sure, is that the players will be focused and they will not stop working between the whistles. The work ethic can't be questioned on this team. So long as the team has come together as much as it has seemed to have, the game on Friday will be a success one way or another. The pressure of opening night will be absent (that gets saved until Oct. 6th at 3:30pm) and the sheer excitement of competing together for the first time will take over and the players' desire to win will shine through. It won't be perfect, but it's a stepping stone that needs to be taken by every young team.
Despite being an exhibition showcase tournament, the stakes are still high. The team will want to get a good start to the season. There will be plenty of scouts in attendance. But above all else, this weekend is very important in the continuing formation of the team's identity. Will they achieve their goal of being a crazy hard working team? Will the others teams feel that they hard to play against? Will they all stand up for each other beyond all else? These questions won't be fully answered in only 4 weekend games in 3 days, but we will start to get a sense of what this team is all about...and the coaching staff could not be more excited! One thing is for sure, we will arrive in Portage as a team with nothing to lose, and we will leave Portage closer than we were when we got there.
Are they ready?
Yes they are...let's play!
~Coach
We think so...
...It's hard to tell, after giving everything they had at practice, almost daily, for two weeks, the players have to be excited to play on Friday. But are they ready to play? Yes, we're almost certain they are...but we won't really know until the puck drops for the first time on this 2012-2013 Winnipeg Ice season.
What we do know for sure, is that the players will be focused and they will not stop working between the whistles. The work ethic can't be questioned on this team. So long as the team has come together as much as it has seemed to have, the game on Friday will be a success one way or another. The pressure of opening night will be absent (that gets saved until Oct. 6th at 3:30pm) and the sheer excitement of competing together for the first time will take over and the players' desire to win will shine through. It won't be perfect, but it's a stepping stone that needs to be taken by every young team.
Despite being an exhibition showcase tournament, the stakes are still high. The team will want to get a good start to the season. There will be plenty of scouts in attendance. But above all else, this weekend is very important in the continuing formation of the team's identity. Will they achieve their goal of being a crazy hard working team? Will the others teams feel that they hard to play against? Will they all stand up for each other beyond all else? These questions won't be fully answered in only 4 weekend games in 3 days, but we will start to get a sense of what this team is all about...and the coaching staff could not be more excited! One thing is for sure, we will arrive in Portage as a team with nothing to lose, and we will leave Portage closer than we were when we got there.
Are they ready?
Yes they are...let's play!
~Coach
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