Bad period cost ICE the game vs. Hawks...

As a new month opened with high expectations for the Winnipeg ICE, the 2-time defending Champs from Pembina Valley used 1 sloppy stretch of time by the ICE to take over the game and prolong the losing streak. A quick start by the Hawks allowed them to take the lead only 2 minutes into the game, but the ICE settled down and played a good first period. The ICE had 4 or 5 quality chances in the slot off of rebounds, but couldn't find the back of the net. It ended up being a fast-paced first period, and the Hawks led 1-0.

The second period started off great for the ICE, as Kelsey McHolm scored from Carley Jewell and Jessi Campbell less than 30 seconds into the period. At 1-1, the ICE played with confidence and pushed for the go ahead goal. Pembina Valley did push back but both teams struggled to find the back of the net through the first 10 minutes of the period. With around 10 minutes left in the period, the ICE did a great job killing off the second Hawks powerplay of the game...but the Hawks managed to score from the point 5 seconds after the kill. The goal deflated the bench and sent the ICE spiraling into 10 minutes of panic. Depsite playing a good 30 minutes of hockey, against a very strong team, the ICE showed little confidence after the 2-1 goal, and doubt started to creep into their game. In a span of 4 minutes and 30 second, the Hawks scored 3 goals to take a 4-1 lead. The rest of period was dominated by the Hawks as well, but Michelle Kerdes stood tall in net, keeping the 4-1 deficit through 2 period.

All it took the Hawks was a 4-plus minutes to stretch the lead and effectively take the game. The ICE battled hard in the third, but the damage was done. PV added 1 in the 3rd and the ICE couldn't score on any of their 11 shots in the final frame. A tough loss for a fragile team, as the scoreboard really didn't reflect how this game was played.

The highlights in this game was the play of goaltender Michelle Kerdes, who stopped 39 of 44 shots faced, and the ICE penalty kill which went 3 for 3 against a strong Hawks PP unit. Next up for the ICE is the first of four meetings with the Eastman Selects in St. Adolphe.

ICE get offense going, but can top unbeaten Caps...

Saturday night in Portage was the scene of the Winnipeg ICE vs the host Central Plains Capitals. In the second meeting of the season, the ICE were looking to build off the previous battle against the Caps which ended in a 1-1 tie. The ICE limped into Portage having lost 3 straight games, despite having a chance to win all 3, and without scoring a goal in the last two games. Spirits were high in the ICE camp however, as usual, as the team can sense they can break out at any point now...but the Caps came out firing in the first period and showed everyone in attendance why they are unbeaten this season. The Caps jumped out to quick 2-0 lead only 13 minutes into the game, leaving the ICE to chase the puck for most of the first period. After the first period the players were clearly disappointed in the tough start and tried to focus on the things that earned them a hard fought tie against this same team a couple weeks back. The ICE needed to be much better in the second period, as they needed to prove to themselves that they can compete with the strong Caps team.

Early in the second the ICE clawed back, with a hard working goal by Leah Hibbert, assisted by Renee Stevenson. The goal sparked the bench and woke the ICE up a little more. Less than 5 minutes later, Jessi Campbell tied the game at 2 on a powerplay, which was assisted by her linemates Kelsey McHolm and Kelli Rowswell. All of a sudden, the ICE were right back in this game. Kathleen Kosior was solid in net in the second period, allowing the ICE to take some chances to get the lead. With 5 minutes left in the second period, the ICE struck again, as Kelli Rowswell scored on a rebound, giving the ICE their first lead of the game at 3-2. Carley Jewell was credited with the assist on that goal. Confidence was growing on the bench, as the ICE finally began to believe. The Caps however were not going away, and they eventually tied the game on a powerplay of their own with 2 minutes left in the second period.

At intermission, the ICE were much more pleased with their play in the second period, and the team discussed what needed to be done to pull out a win there that night. Patience, team play, and energy were three of the things mentioned. Could they pull it out...

The third period was a very physical 20 minutes of hockey, with the referee allowing questionable contact by both teams, followed by soft calls on other plays....inconsistent to say the least. Both teams pressed for the winning goal, and both goaltenders made game saving stops. The Caps were given a powerplay about 7 minutes into the third period, and they capitalized to take a 4-3 lead over the ICE. As time wound down, the ICE did everything they could to find a way to tie it, but the Caps held them off to win 4-3. A tough loss to be sure, for the ICE, but a number of great takeaways from this game as well.

While the season is still relatively young, the ICE are certainly taking their time to show their true colours. One can see the true potential of this team in spurts in EVERY game, but it has not yet translated into wins. The coaches are more than confident that the wins will follow...but only when the players themselves truly believe. What's it going to take? Maybe a win against last year's Champs? Pembina Valley is up next....

~Coach

ICE fall short on the weekend...

After a weekend of hockey consisting of 2 games, when your team only allows 3 goals, one could expect to a get at least a win out of the deal, right? Well...this hard luck Winnipeg ICE team had to endure bitter defeat twice this past weekend, despite playing quite well in both games. A 2-0 loss at the hands of the Yellowhead Chiefs was only a little easier to take than a devastating 1-0 loss to the Westman Wildcats the following day.

The game against the Chiefs saw the ICE struggle to create opportunities and mount any sustained offensive pressure. While Kathleen Kosior held the ICE in for most of the game, stopping 26 of the 28 shots she faced, the Chiefs cruised to a 2-0 victory, getting some revenge on the ICE for a 5-2 loss earlier this year. The ICE battled hard for most of the 60 minutes, but their effort simply wasn't enough on this day. In addition to losing the game, the ICE lost Alexis Manningway to a knee injury. Alexis should be ready to return in two weeks.

Sunday's game was an opportunity for the ICE to exact some revenge on the Wildcats, who spoiled the home opener by defeating the ICE 5-1 on Oct. 5th. This was an extremely physical game once again, as these two familiar rivals refuse to give each other any room to move. The first period went back and forth, with both teams failing to capitalize on their chances. With 15 seconds left in a very well-played first period, disaster struck the ICE, when a giveaway led to a Wildcat knuckle-ball-like shot that trickled into the net with only 7 seconds left in the period. It was a painful way to end a very good period for the ICE. The players vowed to not panic, and spoke about patience for the final forty minutes. The rest of the game went just like the opening 20 minutes, back and forth, chances at both ends. Michelle Kerdes turned in an excellent performance in net for the ICE, stopping 27 of the 28 shots she faced, including a penalty shot. BUT, that painful goal at the end of the first period stood up as the game winning goal, as the ICE failed to score for a second straight game. The Wildcats found a way to win 1-0.

Only 6 games into the season is not the time for drastic measures, but the ICE need to be more committed to offense and play with more creativity in the offensive zone. This team will get there, but their work ethic and dedication will determine how fast it happens. It doesn't get any easier from here, as the ICE travel to Portage on Saturday to play the Capitals in their first road game of the year. The ICE will look to close out October on a winning note!

~Coach

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