Team Retreat a huge success...

This is the first post of the 2013-2014 season! We hope you join us on the long journey this season, as the Winnipeg ICE try to make their way to the top of the MFMHL league standings. The coach's blog will take you along for the ride all season long with game stories, season updates, and much much more. Please check back here regularly for everything you need to know about the ICE!

As the Winnipeg ICE prepare to open the season on October 5th, against the same team that eliminated them last season, the players have already started to bond off the ice. As part of the training camp this year, the players and team staff  took part in the First Annual Winnipeg Ice Team Retreat in Lac du Bonnet on August 24-25th. Here are some highlights of what the players did at our amazing team event at the lake.

Two of our returning players have cabins near Lac du Bonnet, and their parents were very generous in allowing us to use both cabins for the weekend. It all started on Saturday afternoon, as the players and staff made their way to Still Cove for a weekend of fun. 1 cabin was for the players, and the other was for the coaches and parent volunteers. Once the players arrived, the festivities began with some swimming and team activities before a delicious snack....which was more a meal than a snack! The weather was perfect...possibly even too hot, but once the team found its way onto the water for boating and tubing, nobody really cared about the weather. The players had a blast on the boats and even saw some spectacular wipeouts...leaving everyone happy and hungry once dinner was served.

A BBQ dinner only slowed the girls down for a little while, as more games broke out in the cabin, eventually leading to a full team beach volleyball event. As the evening went on and it began to get dark the first of two team meetings produced our new season slogan. Those of you who follow the team closely will already know it...but if not, the team has a great discussion on what they wanted to focus on for this season and came up with "EMBRACE THE OPPORTUNITY" as their mantra for this season.

As the long day at the lake wound down, a bonfire was lit before a fireworks show closed the festivities for the night. The parents and coaches left the team (with Coach Sarah of course) by the bonfire and headed for the 'parent' cabin for the night. The players were tired from all the fun, but they managed to stay up fairly late learning all that they could about their new teammates.

The players woke up around 10:00am to a light breakfast of fruit, yogurt, and juice, before jumping back in the lake for a swim. The pre-season planning meeting this year was held on the dock around 11:00 on a beautiful late summer Sunday morning. The brief team meeting was about goal setting, rule setting, and basically giving everyone on the team a chance to see what's ahead. There's a long journey beginning, it's already begun, and the players needed to see that course is set directly in front of them. The team discussed what it means to be a TEAM, as well as what it means to NOT be a team. We closed the meeting with a quick chat on why this team retreat was so important.

After the meeting, the players were treated to more snacks before heading back out on the lake to the jumping rocks. An hour of climbing rocks and jumping in the water, and more swimming, was a great way to end an amazing weekend together. After getting back to the cabin for lunch, the team parted ways after nearly 30 hours together. While the weekend was loud with excitement during almost every aspect of this experience, the ride home was noticeably quiet. All players, and coaches, and parents, were very tired but very glad we were able to do this before the season begins.

A huge thanks MUST go out to our parent hosts and parent volunteers for this event. You all have already made a huge contribution to this team that we all will never forget!

From the coaching staff's perspective, this weekend could not have gone any better. The players, new to the team AND the veterans, all jumped into the weekend together and started to gel. Will all the hard work of planning this event pay off when the Winnipeg ICE open the season on October 5th? Who knows? But what is not in question is how much closer these players are now than they would have been without a weekend like this. And regardless how the season goes, the memories of this weekend will last a lifetime.

~Coach

Awards Dinner, final words for 2012-2013 ICE season...

On Tuesday May 14th, the 2012-2013 Winnipeg ICE met for the last time. An evening of great food at Earl's on Main, some speeches, and some team awards, were a great way to officially end the hockey season.

A great turnout of players and parents joined the coaching staff for an amazing dinner and some final goodbyes. After dinner, Melissa Blaine kicked off the program with her Captain's address to the team. She spoke very well and gave everyone in attendance a look into the season in her eyes. It was a great way to begin the speeches, great job Blaine! Next up was the graduating player gifts. Zack opened the tear floodgates with heartfelt words about Allie Bednarz, and followed it up with an emotional story about Sara Reuther. Coach Willy had the impossible task of following Zack, but stories about Michelle Anderson and Emily Barber lightened the mood a bit! Manager/Team Owner Henry delivered the final words about Melissa Blaine and Chantel Olson. After working with these two players for the past two seasons, Henry had some very kind words to say...the tears began again! We definitely missed Elizabeth Carter and Jane Roxburgh, who was also a graduating player, but both were unable to attend. The graduating players received a black picture frame with a picture of all 7 graduating players (taken after the final game), as well as another team picture (also taken after the final game).

After the graduating player gifts, the coaching staff gave out 3 team awards. It is always hard to give out team awards, as countless players on this team were worthy of these 3 awards. BUT, the coaches could only select 3 players, and the awards went to:

Most Improved Player: #30 Michelle Kerdes (Goalie)
Rookie of the Year: #19 Ashley Kubic (Defence)
Most Valuable Player: #2 Melissa Blaine (Defence)

The award winners each received an engraved acrylic trophy with the team logo, award name, and their name & number.

After the awards, each coach (& Henry) had some final words about the season and about each player. The evening went off without a hitch, and it was a nice way to close the season. 8 players will return for 2013-2014....while we're sad to say goodbye to the past, we're definitely excited about the future!

~Coach

And just like that, the season ends for the ICE...

After 6 months of hard work, the 2012-2013 season ended on Friday night in Hartney, for the Winnipeg ICE. There aren't words to really capture the emotions in the ICE dressing room following the game #3 defeat at the hands of the Westman Wildcats, what was said in the room following the game will remain between the players and coaches. But here's a recap of the playoffs and overall view of the season for the Winnipeg ICE.

The Wildcats managed to win 6-0, 5-1, and 4-0 over the ICE in the quarterfinals of the MFMHL. The ICE battled hard in all 3 games, but the Wildcats' firepower could not be contained. In all 3 games, there were long stretches of play where the teams battled back and forth evenly, but in each game (and usually only for 5 or 6 minutes), the ICE allowed the Wildcats to take control. There were many bright spots for the ICE, as the underdogs never did quit. The team stayed together until the bitter end, and supported each other until the final buzzer.

As for the season, nobody from this team is satisfied with the early exit from the MFMHL playoffs. Nobody is satisfied with the overall record either. BUT, given what this team had to overcome this season, the players and the coaching staff have a lot to be proud of. That being said...there are no excuses.

Losing takes a toll, there is no doubt about that. But losing also allows for lessons to be learned. The players, and coaches, have learned more about themselves, more about what it takes to be part of a team, and more about staying positive through good times and bad, than they would ever had done if they won every game this season. The girls on this team deserve a huge amount of credit for staying true to each other all season long. They went to war for/with each other on a consistent basis, and gave themselves to this team, fully and completely. They worked hard on and off the ice, and improved by leaps and bounds, since the first practice in September.

Other than the overall record, the season went pretty well as planned, as the players learned new systems and played with new linemates. Sure, mistakes were made along the way, but the coaches now have a better sense of what needs to be done for next season, after battling through this season in the MFMHL. Expect some changes in way things are done with the Winnipeg ICE, but you count on the same passion, enthusiasm, and dedication shown by every member of the Winnipeg ICE family next season. The amazing team atmosphere created by the players this season is expected once again next season, along with better results.

To our 1995s: thank you for your dedication and commitment! All the best in your future endeavors. You will always be members of the ICE and please don't forget to visit us next year, you will always be welcome in our family!

To our 1996s & 1997s: thanks for everything you did this year! You are the future of this program...get ready for an amazing ride, we have some unfinished business to tend to! Next season is not that far away...

Although disappointed with the end result, the coaching staff is honoured to have had the chance to work with these 17 very special players. It takes an amazing group of girls to show up every day with a smile and play their hearts out on a daily basis, despite the losses piling up. Keep your heads up, girls...you made us proud every single day, and we will not soon forget our time with the 2012-2013 Winnipeg ICE! Fear the passion! Hold the rope!

Thanks to the parents for their support this season. Thanks to our amazing strength & conditioning coach Darlene Sveinson! Thanks to Henry (team owner...kind of) for keeping us organized and making us laugh. And huge thanks to Jim and Zack for being two of the best coaches around!

This is not The End...stay tuned, there are big things ahead for the Winnipeg ICE...the future is bright!

Bryan Williams
Head Coach - Winnipeg Ice AAA Hockey

ICE win final game before playoffs...

Here's a quick recap of the past two weekends in Western Manitoba, as the ICE found their way to Brandon on back-to-back weekends.

Feb 9th & 10th saw the ICE play their final two regular season games in Hartney and Shoal Lake. While their previous trip to these two towns in November was a nightmare (if you really want to re-live that road trip...simply find the post on this blog in November...but it wasn't pretty), this trip was better...but didn't yield any more points. On February 9th the ICE were in Hartney to face the Wildcats. The ICE managed to play a tough game, but took a 15 minute break in the second period which allowed Westman to score three times. The ICE won the final period, but it was far too little and much to late, make the final 5-1 Westman.

On February 10th the ICE were in Shoal Lake to face the Yellowhead Chiefs. This game was much closer, as both teams had chances to score early on. The Chiefs led 2-1 going into the third period, but the ICE once again allowed the intensity to drop for short period of time, and the Chiefs scored 3 straight goals to lead 5-1. The ICE didn't back down however, as they scored the next two goals to get closer at 5-3. Time ran out on the ICE, as time expired on the regular season. Chiefs 5, ICE 3 was the final.

The ICE were back in Hartney this past weekend for the Westman Showcase. The team played 4 games this weekend, all intending to allow for final preparations for the playoffs. It was a short bench all weekend for the ICE, as Elizabeth Carter and Allie Bednarz were both unable to play due to injury. The ICE came out strong against Eastman on Friday afternoon, outshooting the Selects 46-26, but a lackluster third period allowed the Selects to break a 1-1 tie in the third period with 3 goals, to win 4-1.

Next up was a preview of the MFMHL first round playoff match-up against the powerful Westman Wildcats. Once again, the ICE stood tall for long stretches of the game against Westman, keeping the score at a respectful 4-2 until midway through the third period. Michelle Kerdes was excellent in net for the ICE, as she kept the team in the game as long as she could. But halfway through the third period, Westman made it 5-2 on a powerplay, and added another before the end of the game for a 6-2 win. Despite the scoreline, the ICE were pleased with the effort for the most part. Many players stepped up and played a great game today, and the PK was very good, only allowing the impressive Wilcat PP 1 goal in this game.

Later that evening it was a rematch of the 1st game of the season for the ICE, as they faced the Swift Current Wildcats. Another very well played game by both teams, saw a 1-1 tie midway through the 3rd period. The Wildcats scored twice within a 5 minute span to take a 3-1 lead, but the ICE didn't back down. The ICE found a way to make it 3-2 and pressed to score in the final seconds to tie it up, but fate was once again not on their side. Despite playing two pretty solid games on this day, the ICE came up empty handed.

The final game of the weekend saw the ICE take on Assiniboine Community College. The ICE jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead after 1 period, outshooting ACC 24-3. ACC found a way back into the game with a goal 10 minutes into the second period, but the ICE were not to be outdone, as they made it 3-1 within minutes of the ACC goal. With even a shorter bench today than the previous 3 games, the ICE dug deep and dominated the third period as well, firing 22 shots, and only allowing 5, ultimately winning the game 4-2. The ICE fired a season high 58 shots on net, with every single player on the ICE recording at least one shot on goal. It was a great way to end a long weekend of hockey, and hopefully provided the pick-up they'll need as they head back the Hartney for the third straight weekend, for Game #1 of the quarter-finals against the Westman Wildcats on Saturday at 4:00pm.

~Coach

ICE step up vs. Wild...

After an uninspired game on Friday night in Portage, the ICE insisted they would be better on Saturday against their bitter crosstown rivals, the Avros. But...neither the ICE players, nor their coaches, could have predicted such a tough day that would await the ICE Saturday evening. Without going into too much detail, the Avros took control of the game very early on, and spent the rest of the game making life very difficult for the ICE. The Avros scored 3 times in the first 9 minutes of the game, as the ICE tried desperately to gain some ground after their disastrous start. In a much better effort in the second, the ICE limited the Avros to 1 goal, but still could not manage to score. As the ICE tried to stay focused despite the lop-sided game, frustration began to appear on the bench. Uncharacteristic of the ICE this season, the team lost its focus for the final 10 minutes and allowed the Avros to run up the score. After the very disappointing game, the team agreed that this was not a step back for the ICE, it was just a rough day. The players vowed to have short memories and promised their teammates they would be much better on Sunday. But, could the ICE really just shake off an outing like that? That question was answered only 19 hours later...

The ICE welcomed the Norman Wild to Notre Dame Arena, for their final home game of the regular season. Amnesia from the previous game allowed the ICE players to remain confident before the game. The coaches challenged the players to come out quickly and take the game away from the Wild right from the opening face-off. The players responded exactly as the coaches hoped, as the first 90 seconds of the game saw the ICE press hard for the game's first goal. The ICE fired numerous shots at the Wild net, but couldn't find a way to score. And then, just under two minutes into the game...the worst case scenario for the ICE, a bad bounce at the point led to a breakaway for the Wild, and resulted in the Wild taking a 1-0 lead. Just like that, a great ICE start was thrown away, as they fell behind early. How would the bench respond? Would the bench sag and effort drop? Or, would the team rise as one and fight back?

Luckily, for the ICE, the players stood tall and pushed right back. With goals from Rielle Chwartacki and Michelle Anderson, the ICE found managed to take a 2-1 lead after the first period. The second period was played at a fast pace as well, but neither team could find a way to score. Michelle Kerdes was very strong all  game in net for the ICE. The third period went the same way as the first two, as both teams had chances to score. The ICE found a way to take a 3-1, when Emily Barber scored off of a giveaway by the Wild goaltender. As time winded down, the ICE felt comfortable with a 2 goal lead, but when the Wild got back within a goal, tensions began to run high. Both teams found their way to the penalty box in the dying minutes, but the ICE found a way to hold on to the win, and solidify their place above the Wild in the standings. It was a great bounce back game for the ICE, as they recovered from a difficult game the night before. With 2 games remaining in the regular season, let's hope the upward trend of 2013 continues for the ICE.

~Coach

ICE let Capitals off the hook in Portage...

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

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