Up and down season continues...

This weekend looked to provide the ICE with a lot to thankful to be for...but after an impressive tie on Saturday night, the ICE fell in disappointing fashion to the Norman Wild, leaving an unsatisfied feeling for everyone involved.

After two days off, the ICE players were rested and ready to take on the league's first place team from Central Plains. The Saturday night game against the Capitals gave the ICE an opportunity to make up for a poor performance against that same team, in a 6-1 loss at the end of September. Both teams came out skating and the Caps pressed for an early goal. The ICE weathered the early storm and pushed back, looking for the game's opening goal. In a fast-paced, end to end first period, the Capitals out-shot the ICE 10-8, but the score stayed 0-0. The second period was pretty much the same, but the Capitals applied more pressure and seemed to hold the balance of play. The ICE players stuck to the systems and tried to outlast the Capitals momentum. The Capitals did manage to score the first goal of the game, but the ICE stayed in it, despite being out-shot 10-3 in the second period. After two periods, the players discussed what needed to be done in order to tie this game up, and the answer was 'patience' and 'hard work'. The ICE came out flying in the third, desperately trying to even the score. It was another exciting period of hockey, and the ICE started to believe they could tie it up. With just over 9 minutes remaining the 3rd period, Rielle Chwartacki scored to tie the game (assisted by Leah Hibbert and Renee Stevenson). Once tied, the ICE found another gear and looked to steal this game from the Capitals. Both teams had chances to win the game, but neither team could capitalize. A very impressive third period comeback by the ICE allowed them to earn a tie against arguably the league's best team. While nobody in the ICE dressing room is prepared to celebrate a tie...based on what this team has been through, this game could mean much more than just 1 point in the end.

Highlights: Kathleen Kosior stopped 27 of the 28 shots she faced. The ICE penalty kill was successful in all 3 of the penalty kills situations. All 17 players followed the game plan and refused to give up and played for each other.

Feeling good about Saturday night's performance, the ICE came into Sunday's game against a very hard-working Norman Wild team, looking to improve their unbeaten streak to 3 games. Despite out-shooting the Wild 13-6 in the first period, Norman opened the scoring late in the first period. It was a decent period overall for the ICE, but the only real mistake made ended up in the net. What really cost the ICE in the first period was the amount of races and battles for the puck the Wild were winning. This continued into the second period, as the ICE found themselves down 2-0 halfway through the period. The intensity and energy seemed to be missing, but the ICE felt that 1 goal could energize everyone. Finally, on the powerplay, Carley Jewell scored from Kelli Rowswell, which cut the lead to 2-1. The ICE pressed on for an equalizer, out-shooting Norman 16-9 in the second frame, but they couldn't solve the Wild goaltender again this period. The coaches asked for patience once again at intermission, urging the players to do whatever it would take to find a way to come back in this game. Nobody in the ICE dressing was at all satisfied with the way the team had played, but a strong 3rd period could save the game and earn the win. The third period started and the teams battled for possession. The ICE pressed hard but couldn't find a way to score in the first 10 minutes of the third. It was by far the best period the ICE had played today, but that wouldn't matter if they couldn't tie it up. Finally, with 6 minutes left in the game, Kelli Rowswell scored on the powerplay, from Renee Stevenson, to tie the game at 2. It looked like the ICE had saved themselves from a disappointing defeat, as time wound down in the third period. However, on a quick transition the Wild got a 2 on 1 situation and found a way to make it 3-2 with less than 3 minutes left in the game. The ICE pressed hard to tie it in the end, but the Wild added an empty net goal to win 4-2. Lesson to be learned from this game: you can't play your best for 10 of the 60 minutes against any team in this league and expect to win. Full credit goes to the Wild who came in playing their 3rd game in 3 days and out-worked and outplayed the ICE on this day.

Highlights: Michelle Kerdes made a lot of big saves to keep the ICE close, especially in the third period. The ICE special teams was excellent: PP was 2 for 3, PK was 6 for 6.

All in all a very disappointing and painful loss for the ICE, but no real reason to push the panic button. This is an extremely long season, and the ICE will have to stay grounded when they are winning and keep their heads up when things don't go their way. Sunday's performance was unacceptable, there is no doubt about that, but Saturday's performance gives reason for optimism. In BOTH games this weekend the ICE fell behind but didn't fold and they battled back...resiliency is a very important quality that all teams need to find. There is much work to do, and luckily enough for the ICE...everyone here is prepared to put in that hard work. Embrace the opportunity. Hold the rope. 24 games to go...we're just getting started.

~Coach

ICE bounce back in style with a win over Yellowhead...

After a decidedly disappointing opening game the night before, the ICE vowed to be better on Sunday in the second game of the season against the Yellowhead Chiefs. A few key points were discussed prior to the game by the players and coaches...commitment to team systems and work ethic were the major points of focus for Sunday's game. The first period started with end to end action, as both teams tried to establish the pace. The ICE looked much more confident than the later stages of Saturday's game, and they came to work today. Finally, with 2 minutes remaining in the period, the ICE scored on the powerplay, as Alexis Mannngway took a pass from Madison Neapew and buried the 1st goal of the game. The ICE took a 1-0 into the first intermission, despite being outshot 12-10. Kathleen Kosior was steady in net, stopping all 12 first period shots.

The mood was tense in the dressing room, as the ICE were in the same position a day earlier...and found a way to fall behind. Sticking to the game plan, and a continued sustained effort were non-negotiable if the ICE were to stay ahead in this game. The second period started with some pressure from the Chiefs, but the ICE were equal to the task. 4 minutes into the second period, the ICE struck again when Nicole Adamyk scored from the point to make the score 2-0. The bench erupted, and the ICE seemed to be on their way to a victory. However, 28 second later, the Chiefs clawed their way back into the game, shrinking the lead to 2-1...and 50 seconds after that, they tied the game at 2. With Saturday's loss fresh in their minds, the ICE maintained their composure and refused to back down...despite blowing a 2 goal lead. The players knew that the next goal would likely be the turning point, and the ICE pushed hard to get it. 4 minutes after Yellowhead tied the game, the ICE took back the lead on a powerplay goal by Jessi Campbell. Kelli Rowswell added 1 more goal in the second, to secure a 2 goal lead for the ICE after two periods.

The players were excited during the second intermission, and they spoke of keeping it simple in the third period, and doing whatever it may take to win this game. What followed in the third period can only be described as the best period of hockey this team has played all year long. The commmitment to the team, and to their teammates, shown in the third period was amazing to watch. The ICE completely shut down the Chiefs as they attempted to find a way back in the game. 30 second shifts were taken by all players and a solid effort in the D-Zone was display by everyone as well. Renee Stevenson added the insurance goal in the third, as the ICE cruised to a much needed 5-2 victory on home ice.

Sunday's game was a great way to respond to a disappointing start. All players came to play...and came to fight for each other. Kosior played a very good game in net, stopping 27 of the 29 shots she faced. Up next, a game against a skilled Central Plains Capitals team on Saturday at 6:30pm.

Great win, ladies!

~Coach

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