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
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