The Winnipeg ICE played some of the nation's top teams on the weekend, at the Titans Winter Invitational Tournament at the MTS Iceplex. Ultimately finishing 5th out of 10 teams after the preliminary round, the ICE fell in the quarterfinals to the eventual Bronze Medal winning team.
Game 1: Winnipeg ICE vs Regina Rebels
Much had been said about this dangerous team from Regina, sporting a 17 wins and 2 losses record in their tough Saskatchewan AAA league. The ICE were asked to focus on playing their game and ingorning the hype surrounding the opposing team. Fresh off a 2-week break from league games, the ICE had worked on some systems adjustments that were about to be given a true test against the Rebels.
The ICE battled all game long and were able to keep the game at 1-1 through two periods, before shutting down the Rebels completely, and scoring 3 times, stunnig the high flying team from Regina 4-1. Kathleen Kosior was sensational in net and Kelsey McHolm (2 goals), Jessi Campbell, and Meara Grant (empty net) all scored for the ICE. It was perhaps the most exciting and certainly the most complete team game the ICE have played all year long. Way to go girls!
Game 2: Winnipeg ICE vs Yellowhead Chiefs
Two very similar teams who seem to play each other very tough met in the evening game on Friday. With the teams already having split the first four games played against one another (2 wins, 2 losses each), it was bound to be a very tight checking and close game. The ICE couldn't repeat their nearly flawless game from earlier in the day, but they stood tall and battled the Chiefs all night long. The Chiefs opened the scoring in the second period. The ICE stayed patient and pushed back, ultimately tying the game in the third period. Fittingly, the game ended 1-1, leaving the ICE undefeated on the opening day of the tournament. Michelle Kerdes was excellent in net, and Kayla Hosegood made a 'potentially' game-saving diving block on a 2 on 1 late in the game.
Game 3: Winnipeg ICE vs Shaftesbury Titans
The hosts came out very strong opening up a 3-0 lead on the ICE early in the first period, A very skillied Titans team seemed to make the ICE pay for every single mistake. The Titans continued to strentch their lead through the entire 50 minute game, ultimately winning a lop-sided affair. Despite outshooting the Titans, the ICE couldn't find the back of the net and had no answer for the potent offense of the hosts.
Game 4: Winnipeg ICE vs Balmoral Hall Blazers
Despite a disappointing loss to the host team, the ICE finished the preliminary round in 5th place, which is a feat in itself given the competition. The next opponent was another Prep team, this time from BH. The game plan focused on shutting down their top forward and find ways to get to pucks to the net. Disaster struck in the 1st period however, as BH scored on a deflection off a body on the first shift of the game. The ICE tried to push back, but got too aggressive on the powerplay, giving up a 2 on 1 short-handed chance, which was buried by their top player. The ICE had to play catch-up for the rest of the game, and had some great chances to score and get right back in the game. Despite shutting down their top line the rest of the way, the ICE couldn't score and eventually fell 3-0 to the Blazers. Michelle Kerdes played a great game in net, making the save of the year so far in the late stages of the game.
It would have been great to have made the semifinals (or final) in this tournament, but the ICE are taking the necessary steps to be successful. With all the tournaments out of the way, the ICE can focus on their biggest task of all. It's time to gear up for the playoffs. Will they be ready....only the players have that answer.
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