The scene was set. Opening day 2013. First game in the new home. The Winnipeg Ice were facing a very familiar rival, the Westman Wildcats. The team was excited and they were prepared for battle. Pre-game warm-up showed a few nerves, but once the puck was dropped, all the the excitement and intensity that was built up over the past month and a half was released in the form of a dominant performance in the first period. TheICE out-worked, out-skated, and out-shot the Wildcats 10-4 in the opening period. Game's first goal was scored by Renee Stevenson, assisted by Kelli Rowswell and Bryn Schmidt, just over two minutes into the game on the powerplay. The ICE held the lead through the first period, in what was likely their best period of the season. At intermission, the players spoke about keeping the work ethic up and needing to stay committed to the team systems for the final 40 minutes.
As the second period began, a confident ICE team started to doubt themselves. The Wildcats took control of the game and scored twice in 70 seconds to take a 2-1 lead, just 6 minutes into the second period. Everything changed from there, as the ICE lost confidence and got decidedly out-worked and out-skated for the entire 20 minute second period. Everything that they worked for in the first period was gone, by the end of the second. Everything they did in the first period, they did not do in the second period. The nightmare of a second period ended with 2 more quick goals, and a Westman lead of 4-1. Intermission wasn't quite as pleasant, as the coaching staff reminded the players what went wrong and how to find a way back in this game. There was no question where this period ranked in terms of "best/worst period " of the season...right at the bottom.
A disappointed ICE team battled in the third, but couldn't find a way back in the game. Another case of the "bad period" which haunted the team last year, showed up again today. The Wildcats ended up spoiling the home opener with a 5-1 win over the ICE. After the game the team discussed the difference betweeen the first and second period performances, in addition to having a discussion about belief in this team. In a game the ICE could have won, if they played 3 periods like the first period, they found a way to lose hope and eventually the game. Once this team truly believes in itself, the wins will start to come. Until then...hard work and smart hockey are going to have to be the norm.
Highlights: Renee Stevenson scored the first goal of the regular season, after the whole line was pressing for the goal.
Next up, the Yellowhead Chiefs visit Dakota CC at 1:50pm on Sunday.
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