As a new month opened with high expectations for the Winnipeg ICE, the 2-time defending Champs from Pembina Valley used 1 sloppy stretch of time by the ICE to take over the game and prolong the losing streak. A quick start by the Hawks allowed them to take the lead only 2 minutes into the game, but the ICE settled down and played a good first period. The ICE had 4 or 5 quality chances in the slot off of rebounds, but couldn't find the back of the net. It ended up being a fast-paced first period, and the Hawks led 1-0.
The second period started off great for the ICE, as Kelsey McHolm scored from Carley Jewell and Jessi Campbell less than 30 seconds into the period. At 1-1, the ICE played with confidence and pushed for the go ahead goal. Pembina Valley did push back but both teams struggled to find the back of the net through the first 10 minutes of the period. With around 10 minutes left in the period, the ICE did a great job killing off the second Hawks powerplay of the game...but the Hawks managed to score from the point 5 seconds after the kill. The goal deflated the bench and sent the ICE spiraling into 10 minutes of panic. Depsite playing a good 30 minutes of hockey, against a very strong team, the ICE showed little confidence after the 2-1 goal, and doubt started to creep into their game. In a span of 4 minutes and 30 second, the Hawks scored 3 goals to take a 4-1 lead. The rest of period was dominated by the Hawks as well, but Michelle Kerdes stood tall in net, keeping the 4-1 deficit through 2 period.
All it took the Hawks was a 4-plus minutes to stretch the lead and effectively take the game. The ICE battled hard in the third, but the damage was done. PV added 1 in the 3rd and the ICE couldn't score on any of their 11 shots in the final frame. A tough loss for a fragile team, as the scoreboard really didn't reflect how this game was played.
The highlights in this game was the play of goaltender Michelle Kerdes, who stopped 39 of 44 shots faced, and the ICE penalty kill which went 3 for 3 against a strong Hawks PP unit. Next up for the ICE is the first of four meetings with the Eastman Selects in St. Adolphe.
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