Promising starts ends in defeat in Home Opener...

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.

Weekend tournament shows progress...

The Winnipeg ICE spent September 27th-29th in Portage La Prairie, as the Central Plains Capitals hosted all MFMHL teams in a pre-season showcase tournament. While the overall record was did not end up meeting the coaching staff's goal, the 4 games played showed the distinct progress made by this team in the early weeks of this season.

Here's a quick recap of the games:

Friday: Central Plains Capitals 6 Winnipeg ICE 1. The ICE fell behind early in this game and could never recover. The Capitals pressed hard all game and the ICE couldn't match the host's intensity or effort. Certainly not the way the coaches envisioned the opening game, but the players vowed to be better on Saturday...and they were.

Highlights: Meara Grant scored the lone goal on a dump-in that found it's way into the back of the net, she also led the team in shots on goal with 3. The line of Maddy Neapew, Alexis Manningway, and Kelsey McHolm led the team in +/- with a even rating. Kathleen Kosior came in halfway through through the game and stopped 11 of the 12 shots she faced.

Saturday: Winnipeg ICE 7 Eastman Selects 2. The ICE scored early and often, racing out to a 5-0 lead after the 1st period. The players did exactly what they promised (after the disappointing game a day earlier) by sticking to the game plan, getting pucks to the net, and staying committed to hard work. The final 2 periods went back and forth, as the Selects found their game and pushed the ICE for the final 40 minutes. It was a great team win, as the players each stepped up and made up for their effort on Friday.

Highlights: Leah Hibbert led the way offensively with 1 goal and 2 assists, while Kelsey McHolm and Bryn Schmidt each had 1 goal and 1 assist. Maddy Neapew led the team in +/- with a +3 rating. Kathleen Kosior earned the win, recording a .923 save percentage (stopped 24 of 26 shots).

Sunday AM: Pembina Valley Hawks 4 Winnipeg ICE 2. In a tightly contested game, the ICE battled the reigning league champions for the full 60 minutes, but ended up falling short. This was a very well played game, as the players stuck to the team game and battled all game long. The only real downfall for the ICE was the scrambling in their own end at times. With the score 2-2 going into the third period, the players vowed to play a solid third period and felt confident they could finally knock off the Hawks. The players pretty much lived up to their expectations for effort, but they could not keep a skilled Hawks team from finding a way to score twice in the 3rd to win 4-2. Oddly enough, the 3rd period was considered one the better periods in the game, as the ICE really only made a couple mistakes...which ended up in the back of the net. It was good game and it really show how close this team could be to sticking with the big teams in this league.

Highlights: Kelsey McHolm and Kelli Rowswell each scored for the ICE, while Carley Jewell added 2 assists and Maddy Neapew had 1 assist. McHolm also shared the team lead in shots on goal with Jessi Campbell with 6 shots. Michelle Kerdes played a very good game in net, ending up with an .871 save percentage.

Between games the players had a great meal prepared by the Winnipeg ICE Food Services Dept. and then shared some thoughts about how the weekend was going. All the players took turns praising their linemates, or D partners/Goalie partners, followed by a brief chat about what each line/pairing must do to improve their game. There wasn't much time to spare, but the team made the best of that time and became even closer as a team.

Sunday PM: Westman Wildcats 3 Winnipeg ICE 2. They saved the best for last...as this game had a playoff feel...despite only being the preseason. With the memory of the Wildcats ending their season still fresh in their minds, the returning players on the ICE were a little extra motivated for this one. As always when these two teams play, it was a very physical, yet fast-paced game. The first period ended scoreless, as both teams were trying to get familiar with one another. The ICE opened the scoring in the second period on a PP, only to see the Wildcats tie it up 2 minutes later. However, the ICE responded with a quick goal of their own and took a 2-1 lead into the 3rd period. The ICE players were focused during intermission, sensing that they needed to play their best period of the weekend to achieve the '2 wins and 2 losses goal' set out by the team before the weekend began. The third period continued to be physical and the ICE tried to hold the Wildcats off the board. With just over 11 minutes left, the Wildcats powerful powerplay scored to tie the game at 2. The ICE did not back down and pushed back, trying desperately to take the lead once again. The Wildcats eventually found a way to go ahead 3-2 with 7 minutes remaining and the ICE could not counter. A disappointing way to end the weekend, but another sign that this team is making huge strides. On a day where the ICE played two of the top teams in the league, only 2 hours apart, they had the lead, and a good opportunity to win, in both games. Things are looking up...keep watching and you'll see.

Highlights: Meara Grant and Kelli Rowswell scored for the ICE, while Jessi Campbell, Nicole Adamyk, and Ashley Kubic all had assists. Rowswell also led the team in shots on goal with 6 shots. Kathleen Kosior was solid in net stopping 27 of the 30 shots she faced, recording a save percentage of .900.

All in all it was a positive weekend for the ICE. A 1-3 record is nothing to write home about, but with a few bounces here or there, the record this weekend could have been 3-1. What's important now is to begin to see this team learn how to win those close games with the top teams. Once the ICE gets a taste for winning, we can expect that they will not want to let it get away very easily. Stay tuned for the entire 2013-2014 MFMHL season, I truly believe we are all in for a wild ride...and it all starts on Saturday October 5th at HOME against...you guessed it...those Wildcats from Westman. Bring it on...

~Coach

ICE push Blazers to the limit...

It was a game over a year in the making, as the Winnipeg ICE and BH Blazers finally squared off in exhibition play. It was a great night for hockey and the stands were full of fans of female hockey in Winnipeg. After a very successful opening weekend against the Norman Wild, the ICE were looking to build on their momentum with a strong performance against the Balmoral Hall Blazers Prep team.

Despite the fact that this game would not affect the standings for either team, both teams seemed to feel the pressure to win. The opening face-off was met with nerves and some hectic play in both ends of the ice. The teams settled into a very physical game early in the first period and the pace was kept high for the entire 20 minutes. The Blazers held the balance of play in the first period, outshooting the ICE 7-2, but solid defensive zone coverage, and timely goaltending by Michelle Kerdes, kept the score 0-0 after 1.

The second period began with the same excitement in the stands and on the ice. The physical play started to take its toll on the ICE, as the Blazers wore down the short-handed ICE, who were down to 13 skaters for this game. The Blazers pushed hard to take the lead in the second but the ICE weathered the storm and tried to push back and steal the lead. Halfway through the second period, with the score 0-0, the ICE changed goalies from Michelle Kerdes to Kathleen Kosior. Kerdes stopped all 17 shots she faced, including many saves that led to huge cheers from the stands and from the ICE bench. Kathleen Kosior entered the game and immediately made a difference, making several big saves in the first few shifts, as the Blazers pressed on. Late in the second period, the Blazers finally snuck a weird one by Kosior on a powerplay. The game's first goal was scored on a high shot from the point and then took an odd deflection off of an ICE player and found its way into the net. The Blazers held that 1-0 lead into the third period.

The ICE dressing room was upbeat at intermission, as the players vowed to get a quick one and find their way back into the game. Both teams fought hard in third period, but it was the Blazers who seemed to control the puck. More dedicated defensive zone play and solid goaltending were eventually not enough to keep a powerful Blazers team off the board, as they found a way take a 3-0 lead midway through the third period. Finally, on one of their own powerplays, the ICE managed to chip away at the lead. Meara Grant took the puck to the net hard and put the puck on net, where Jessi Campbell was waiting to put it home. This was Soupy's 4th goal of the preseason, and Meara's 9th point. The goal made it 3-1 and gave the ICE some life. The ICE pushed back hard, trying to get even closer, but the Blazers eventually weathered the storm and added one more goal to win 4-1.

It was a good performance overall and great experience for the Winnipeg ICE. The players were able to hold their heads high and demand a rematch...which they will get! The ICE special teams were very good in this game, killing 5 of the 6 penalties and going 1 for 4 on the powerplay. All ICE players refused to get outworked and they battled for each other against a very skilled team. While a loss is never something to write home about, there's something to be said about taking on a big test and coming out with valuable experience. You heard it here first, the best is yet to come from this edition of the Winnipeg ICE AAA Hockey Club. Stay tuned...

~Coach

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