On one of the coldest nights of the year, the Winnipeg ICE traveled to Portage to face-off against the Capitals in the 4th and final regular season game between the two teams. Friday night's game was the second of back-to-back games between the Caps and ICE, as the teams battled to a 2-1 game on Tuesday night in Winnipeg, with the Caps taking that game with a 3rd period goal. Friday's game was another close one, as the Capitals opened the scoring in the first period for the second straight game. The ICE players were not pleased with their opening period and vowed to be better in the second. The second period was played very similar to the first, with the Capitals finding the net, just after their powerplay expired. Down 2-0 after two, the ICE spoke of simplifying their game and getting back to all out pressure and hard work. The ICE saved their best period for last, as they cut the lead to 2-1 on an unassisted powerplay goal by Madison Neapew, only 3 minutes into the third period. The goal gave the ICE a spark, as they pushed to even the score throughout the final frame. But the Capitals put an end to the comeback with just over 5 minutes left in the game, sealing the deal with a late goal to win 3-1.
While the energy was there on many shifts, the ICE simply played a disorganized game, and could not establish their game at all on this night. A disappointing loss for the ICE to say the least, as their best effort would certainly have been enough to win this game. The bright spots for the ICE tonight included the play of Michelle Kerdes in net, who stopped 39 of the 42 shots she faced, and the ICE PK was very good, killing all 3 of the penalties taken. A big thanks to the 3 AP players who played today for the ICE. Bantam AA Predators Nicole Scofield, Kelsey McHolm, and Morgan Burr all played very well on this night.
No time to dwell on this defeat, as the ICE take on their biggest rivals on Saturday, as the Winnipeg Avros visit the ICE at Notre Dame Arena at 5:00! The atmosphere is always great when the two Winnipeg teams face-off. Go ICE Go!
~Coach
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