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
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Friday, February 1, 2013
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
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
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