ICE recap Jan 20 & 22...

We apologize for the delay...

After a spirited come from behind victory against the Selects, the ICE were primed to keep that energy going the next day against Yellowhead. A very intense first period saw the ICE pressure the Chiefs the entire 20 minutes, outshooting the visitors 15-8. The score was 0-0 after the first period. Despite some very strong play by Michelle Kerdes in net, the Cheifs managed to score the only goal in the second period, to take a 1-0 lead into the third period. The ICE were confident that they could come back to tie this game, as confidence was still high from their improved play in the new year. However, the Chiefs were too strong on this day, adding 2 goals in the third period to beat the ICE 3-0.

Although there were continued signs of major progress for the ICE this weekend, the loss to the Chiefs put a damper on the mood in the dressing room. However, as is always the case, the ICE players were ready on Tuesday to take on the Capitals in a rare weeknight game at home. Despite 6-2 and 5-2 losses to the Capitals in their previous 2 meetings, the ICE were still a confident bunch heading into the game. The first period was fast-paced, as an always hard-working Capitals team pushed the pace against the ICE. The Capitals managed to score first and take a 1-0 after the first period of play, but the ICE players sensed they would find an equalizer quickly in the second period. In one of the tightest checking games of the season, the ICE found a way to tie the game 1-1 on a goal by Elizabeth Carter (assisted by Madison Neapew) in the second period, which set up a very exciting third period. The teams skated back and forth and traded chances throughout the final frame. The ICE had been finding ways to win games in the third since the beginning of 2013, so the bench was excited and pace of the play was very high. As has been the case lately, penalty trouble for the ICE gave the Capitals a chance to take the lead in the third period. Despite a very strong outing by Kathleen Kosior in net who stopped 32 of the 34 shots she faced, and by the whole team in general, the Capitals found a way to squeeze out a 2-1 over the ICE with a third period goal.

The team was a little down following a tough loss to a strong Capitals team, but it is clear that the ICE are closing the gap on teams..and at the perfect time of the year. Next up is a rematch against the Capitals, in Portage on February 1st, followed by the final 2 home games of the regular season on Saturday February 2nd against the Avros and Sunday February 3rd against the Norman Wild.

~Coach