While the scores do not paint a rosy picture, the play of the Winnipeg ICE this weekend against the MFMHL's two top teams certainly illustrated that the future looks bright.
Still without two Ds, Tasia and Ashley were still injured, the ICE took on the Pembina Valley Hawks in Holland, MB on Friday night. Nicole Scofield, from the Bantam AA Northeast Predators played as an AP for the ICE. The team jumped out to an early lead, 15 seconds into the game, on a goal by Jessi Campbell. The quick start seemed to shock PV, but they roared back and found a way to even the game in the next 6 minutes. The good feelings of strong start to the 1st period by the ICE was dampened when PV scored twice in the final 5 minutes, one of which resulted from an odd deflection and crazy bounce off one of the ICE Ds. Satisfied by the first 15 minutes of the period (but not 20), the coaches urged the players not to be discouraged by the 3-1 deficit and to focus on scoring the next goal. The Hawks continued to pressure the ICE early in second period, and managed to make it 4-1, before Chantel Olson scored on a rebound to bring the ICE back within 2 goals. The Hawks capitalized, for the second time in the period, on the ICE's inability to get the puck out their defensive zone, to make the score 5-2 after two periods. The coaches and players were disappointed with the scoreline, but felt that the persistence and effort might pay off in the third. The ICE saved their best for the third period, as they took control of the third period and pushed PV to the limit for the final 20 minutes. Michelle Kerdes was very good in the third period, as PV did manage to get some good scoring chances. Although the dangerous PV PP did manage to score 1 goal, the Chatel Olson scored her 2nd goal of the game to make it 6-3. The game ended that way, but the ICE left Holland feeling pretty good about holding the balance of play for the final period against a very tough team.
Because of the sketchy weather, and long drive back to Winnipeg from Holland, the coaches asked the players to wait for everyone to leave together following the game. The team drove home in a convoy...and it turns out, it was a good thing they did. Jaime Bednarz, with Allie and Tasia in the car, was forced to avoid a rogue semi-trailer who dangerously pulled out in front of her. She managed to avoid a collision but found her way, safely, into the ditch. Several ICE parents/players/coaches stopped on the side of the highway to assess the situation. Thankfully, everyone involved was ok, despite being understandably shook-up. A big thanks to everyone who stopped, it shows how important everyone involved in this team really is. A huge thanks to Doug Roxburgh who was able, after a few good tries, to get the Bednarz's SUV high enough out of the ditch so that a few parents (thanks Mr. & Mrs Soupy) and coaches could eventually push it on to the highway. A scary moment was turned into roadside team bonding!
Showing signs of confidence, despite a loss to PV two nights prior, the ICE were excited to face the league's second ranked team, the Westman Wildcats. With a 9-1 loss to Westman in Hartney, as well as Tasia's injury in that same game, still fresh in their minds, the ICE vowed to get a quick start and push hard for a positive result. For the second straight game, the ICE came out very strong, scoring 90 seconds into the contest. Along with Nicole Scofield, who was playing in her second straight game as an AP player, Savannah Rennie, from the same Bantam AA team, opened the scoring for the ICE. Westman managed to tie it up 6 minutes later, but the ICE played tough and tried to keep the momentum. Kathleen Kosior was very good in net, stopping 15 of the 16 shots she faced, as the 1st period ended 1-1. At intermission the ICE players had a confident look in their eye. They knew that they only played 20 minutes, but felt that if they played like that for 40 more, they would have a good chance of winning this game. The team looked very focused and quite excited to play the second period. Westman poured it on in the second, but the ICE were equal to the task. The teams traded chances early in the second period, but Westman found a way to score twice in 22 seconds to take a 3-1 lead. Not phased by this tough turn of events, the ICE found back with a goal of their own to make it 3-2, and managed to re-ignite the energy on the bench again. Chantel Olson's goal, from Michelle Anderson, gave the ICE hope once again. The crazy second period continued to excite everyone in attendance, but Westman made it 4-2, less than a minute after Olson scored. Showing some extremely good character, the ICE still refused to go away, scoring on a PP to make it 4-3 on a great shot from the point by Melissa Blaine, assisted by Sara Reuther and Savannah Rennie. The teams kept up the pace for the rest of the period, but neither team scored again. What a period! What a game through two periods! These two periods were perhaps the best the ICE have played this year, and they were able to push a very good team to the limit. The players were more excited than happy at intermission, and they spoke of not being satisfied with only 40 minutes in the books. The ICE vowed to make it tough on Westman and vowed to keep doing the things they did in the first two periods. Unfortunately, Westman proved why they are one of the best teams in the province, perhaps in the country, by stepping up their play to another level in the third. Despite a valiant effort, the ICE could not hold off the Wildcats on this day. Westman ended up scoring 3 times in the 3rd to win 7-3.
The players took the loss pretty hard, although they really needed to feel proud of the way they played over 40 minutes. The players understand that it will never be ok to lose, but after a game like this one...so long as they could see how they can compete with the best when everyone buys in...then the future is bright for this team. What an exciting game it was...here's to lots more like that in the future. Be proud girls, but never satisfied...
~Coach
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
ICE fall to biggest to rival..
After a great weekend in The Pas, and a couple wins in the last 3 games, the ICE were excited to face off against their closest rivals...the Winnipeg Avros on Saturday. As usual when the two Winnipeg teams play, Keith Bodley Arena had a few more spectators than usual, and there was a little extra energy in the air. The ICE were confident that they could play 60 minutes of intense hockey, despite being without two of their Ds, Tasia Girden and Ashley Kubic did not dress due to injury. The game began with the Avros getting some early pressure, but the ICE held them off the scoreboard thanks in part to great goaltending by Kathleen Kosior. Eventually the Avros found a way to beat Kosior, but neither team managed to score again in the first period, giving the Avros a 1-0 lead. At intermission the ICE were not pleased with their level of compete, as the Avros held the balance of play in the first period, outshooting the ICE 16-6. The players spoke of patience and looked to pick up the pace and try to even the score early in the second period. Madison Neapew, Elizabeth Carter, and Emily Barber started the second period up front, and they did exactly what the team spoke of in the dressing room, as Barber scored 32 second into the second period to tie the game at 1. The ICE had new-found confidence in this period, but the Avros pressed hard to get the go ahead goal. With 5 minutes left in the second, the Avros impressive powerplay scored on a rush, taking back their 1 goal lead. The second period ended with the Avros up 2-1, despite some very impressive goaltending by Kathleen Kosior. At intermission the team looked back to the last game against the Avros, as that game had the same score after two periods. The ICE knew they couldn't allow this game to get away from them, as it did back in October. The teams started the third period with some back and forth action. The ICE bench sensed a break with a powerplay 4:30 into the period. Unfortunately for the ICE, the Avros proved once again why they are a team to watch in this league by scoring a shorthanded goal to make the score 3-1 and dampen the spirits on the ICE bench. Unlike that game in October, the ICE continued to claw and fight until the final buzzer, eventually hitting the post twice in the last two minutes of the game. The Avros held on for a 3-1 win, leaving the ICE to ponder what went wrong on this day.
A few missed opportunities cost the ICE on Saturday. Couple that with a less intense and lower energy played game for the ICE and it is no wonder they found the Avros tough to beat. But looking on the bright side allows the players to see that their best game on this day could have been enough to push the Avros to the limit and even possibly beat them. The coaches and players spoke of two things lacking from their play, ultimately costing them the game: Urgency and Desperation. The ICE will need to play with those terms in mind, as they face the Pembina Valley Hawks in Holland, MB on Friday night. Get those head's up girls, we'll get them yet!
~Coach
A few missed opportunities cost the ICE on Saturday. Couple that with a less intense and lower energy played game for the ICE and it is no wonder they found the Avros tough to beat. But looking on the bright side allows the players to see that their best game on this day could have been enough to push the Avros to the limit and even possibly beat them. The coaches and players spoke of two things lacking from their play, ultimately costing them the game: Urgency and Desperation. The ICE will need to play with those terms in mind, as they face the Pembina Valley Hawks in Holland, MB on Friday night. Get those head's up girls, we'll get them yet!
~Coach
Monday, November 19, 2012
After a win last Sunday, the ICE head to The Pas looking for 2 more...
Well...it's never good when the bus driver greets you in the parking lot, but there's no bus in sight...
That's how the day started, a 7 AM meeting time at the MTS Iceplex for the players and parents, a 7:15AM departure time, an awesome bus driver, but no bus. Not the best start to the weekend, but with a little patience and some extra coffee, the bus showed up and we departed shortly before 8 AM. The Winnipeg ICE got a much needed win 6 days earlier, so confidence was high as they sat on the bus for the 6 1/2 hour trip to The Pas to face the Norman Wild. A quick check-in at the hotel before heading out for a 4:00PM team meal, then back to the hotel for an hour of quiet time. Before boarding the bus on the way to the rink, the team tried to shake off the bus legs by re-living some of the games they played at the Team Launch Party in September. Since it was a bit brisk outside, and getting dark, this pre-pre-game warm-up lasted only 15 minutes, but it sure woke them up!
The first game of the weekend started very nicely for the ICE, as they started quickly and applied the pressure. The ICE managed to open the scoring when Jessi Campbell scored her 4th goal in two games, assisted by Rielle Chwartacki. Despite a long day on the bus, the energy seemed to be high, both on the ice and on the bench. However, a determined Wild team found a way back into the game, scoring twice before the period ended, taking a 2-1 lead into the intermission. The ICE were a little disappointed to be down after 1, but they held the balance of play and they outshot the Wild 19-12. Still feeling confident from their win on Sunday, the ICE vowed not to panic and seemed ready to get back in the game in the second period. The ICE took control early on in the second period, but couldn't score. But 10 minutes into the second frame Carley Jewell scored to tie the game at 2-2, assisted by Jessi Campbell. The teams traded chances for a few minutes, and Kathleen Kosior made several big saves to preserve a 2-2 score until the Wild took the lead again with just over 4 minutes to go. Determined to tie up before the period ended the ICE pushed back, and Maddy Neapew found the back of the net to tie the game up with only 2 minutes left. The momentum shifted back to the ICE after their 3rd goal, which allowed Carley Jewell to score her second goal of the night 1 minute later, from Jessi Campbell again. With 2 goals in the last 2 minutes of the 2nd period, the ICE were excited to hold a 4-3 lead going into the third period. The players spoke of composure and determination in playing the final 20 minutes as hard as the first 40. The third period was full of end to end action, but the ICE seemed to control the play deep in the Wild zone for most of the period. The Wild could only manage 6 shots on net, to the ICE's 18 in the final frame, and Kosior stopped them all. Rielle Chwartacki added an empty net goal to give the ICE their second straight win, 5-3. A very tired, but happy team, showed a lot of character by coming from behind twice and winning a tough road game. After the game, it was back to the hotel for a late night snack, and lights out at 11:30. The rematch awaited the ICE only 11 hours later...
The second game of the weekend was also a tight game between the ICE and the Wild. This game started quicker for the ICE as they jumped out to an early 2-0 lead on goals by Rielle Chwartacki, and Jane Roxburgh. Michelle Kerdes made some key saves in the first period, allowing the ICE to hold to 2-0 lead after the first period. As the weekend seemed to start to wear on the ICE, the players were reminded once again about how their success has been tied to playing a tough team game and working for 60 solid minutes. It would take 40 more minutes played at the same intensity to escape with another win. The Wild were not going away in the second period, as they clawed their way back into the game, scoring twice in the second period to even the score at 2-2. The ICE responded later in the period on Rielle Chwartacki's second goal of the night, assisted by Melissa Blaine, to earn a 3-2 lead after two periods. 20 minutes from a third straight win, left the players dying for the third period to begin. But the home team seemed to have the edge in the third, right out of the gate. The Wild scored twice in the first 10 minutes of the third period, to come all the way back and take a 4-3 lead. The ICE pressed for the tie, and outshot the Wild 16-6 in the third period, but their comeback fell short, as the Wild hung on for a 4-3 win. The ICE players were disappointed with the way the weekend ended, but did manage to see the countless positives of the weekend. BUT...what would a road trip be without visiting the rural town's hospital?? That's right, Ashley Kubic fell awkwardly, and her elbow pad shifted. While she didn't know it at the time, her elbow split and required some medical attention. Other than coming off briefly to shake off the fall, Ashley finished the game very strong. It wasn't until after the game that she noticed her elbow wasn't bruised it was split.
Already without Tasia Girden (knee), the ICE had to travel without Meara Grant, who could not play this weekend due to illness. The line-shuffle moved Carely Jewell from defence to forward and left the ICE with only 4 defence for the weekend. A big kudos goes out the ICE D for playing big minutes all weekend! Melissa Blaine, Sara Reuther, Allie Bednarz, and Ashley Kubic survived a tough weekend of hockey!
So overall it was a great weekend, the ICE played some very good hockey, but the players know that there's still much work to be done. This weekend was about bonding more, building confidence, and feeling some positive energy. With those goals in mind, it is safe to say that the weekend was a success. The coaching staff is proud of the way the team represented themselves, as the hotel staff was very impressed with how respectful and responsible the girls were this weekend. We have a long, long way to go, but one can see that strides have been made. Keep it up girls, it is happening.
~Coach
That's how the day started, a 7 AM meeting time at the MTS Iceplex for the players and parents, a 7:15AM departure time, an awesome bus driver, but no bus. Not the best start to the weekend, but with a little patience and some extra coffee, the bus showed up and we departed shortly before 8 AM. The Winnipeg ICE got a much needed win 6 days earlier, so confidence was high as they sat on the bus for the 6 1/2 hour trip to The Pas to face the Norman Wild. A quick check-in at the hotel before heading out for a 4:00PM team meal, then back to the hotel for an hour of quiet time. Before boarding the bus on the way to the rink, the team tried to shake off the bus legs by re-living some of the games they played at the Team Launch Party in September. Since it was a bit brisk outside, and getting dark, this pre-pre-game warm-up lasted only 15 minutes, but it sure woke them up!
The first game of the weekend started very nicely for the ICE, as they started quickly and applied the pressure. The ICE managed to open the scoring when Jessi Campbell scored her 4th goal in two games, assisted by Rielle Chwartacki. Despite a long day on the bus, the energy seemed to be high, both on the ice and on the bench. However, a determined Wild team found a way back into the game, scoring twice before the period ended, taking a 2-1 lead into the intermission. The ICE were a little disappointed to be down after 1, but they held the balance of play and they outshot the Wild 19-12. Still feeling confident from their win on Sunday, the ICE vowed not to panic and seemed ready to get back in the game in the second period. The ICE took control early on in the second period, but couldn't score. But 10 minutes into the second frame Carley Jewell scored to tie the game at 2-2, assisted by Jessi Campbell. The teams traded chances for a few minutes, and Kathleen Kosior made several big saves to preserve a 2-2 score until the Wild took the lead again with just over 4 minutes to go. Determined to tie up before the period ended the ICE pushed back, and Maddy Neapew found the back of the net to tie the game up with only 2 minutes left. The momentum shifted back to the ICE after their 3rd goal, which allowed Carley Jewell to score her second goal of the night 1 minute later, from Jessi Campbell again. With 2 goals in the last 2 minutes of the 2nd period, the ICE were excited to hold a 4-3 lead going into the third period. The players spoke of composure and determination in playing the final 20 minutes as hard as the first 40. The third period was full of end to end action, but the ICE seemed to control the play deep in the Wild zone for most of the period. The Wild could only manage 6 shots on net, to the ICE's 18 in the final frame, and Kosior stopped them all. Rielle Chwartacki added an empty net goal to give the ICE their second straight win, 5-3. A very tired, but happy team, showed a lot of character by coming from behind twice and winning a tough road game. After the game, it was back to the hotel for a late night snack, and lights out at 11:30. The rematch awaited the ICE only 11 hours later...
The second game of the weekend was also a tight game between the ICE and the Wild. This game started quicker for the ICE as they jumped out to an early 2-0 lead on goals by Rielle Chwartacki, and Jane Roxburgh. Michelle Kerdes made some key saves in the first period, allowing the ICE to hold to 2-0 lead after the first period. As the weekend seemed to start to wear on the ICE, the players were reminded once again about how their success has been tied to playing a tough team game and working for 60 solid minutes. It would take 40 more minutes played at the same intensity to escape with another win. The Wild were not going away in the second period, as they clawed their way back into the game, scoring twice in the second period to even the score at 2-2. The ICE responded later in the period on Rielle Chwartacki's second goal of the night, assisted by Melissa Blaine, to earn a 3-2 lead after two periods. 20 minutes from a third straight win, left the players dying for the third period to begin. But the home team seemed to have the edge in the third, right out of the gate. The Wild scored twice in the first 10 minutes of the third period, to come all the way back and take a 4-3 lead. The ICE pressed for the tie, and outshot the Wild 16-6 in the third period, but their comeback fell short, as the Wild hung on for a 4-3 win. The ICE players were disappointed with the way the weekend ended, but did manage to see the countless positives of the weekend. BUT...what would a road trip be without visiting the rural town's hospital?? That's right, Ashley Kubic fell awkwardly, and her elbow pad shifted. While she didn't know it at the time, her elbow split and required some medical attention. Other than coming off briefly to shake off the fall, Ashley finished the game very strong. It wasn't until after the game that she noticed her elbow wasn't bruised it was split.
Already without Tasia Girden (knee), the ICE had to travel without Meara Grant, who could not play this weekend due to illness. The line-shuffle moved Carely Jewell from defence to forward and left the ICE with only 4 defence for the weekend. A big kudos goes out the ICE D for playing big minutes all weekend! Melissa Blaine, Sara Reuther, Allie Bednarz, and Ashley Kubic survived a tough weekend of hockey!
So overall it was a great weekend, the ICE played some very good hockey, but the players know that there's still much work to be done. This weekend was about bonding more, building confidence, and feeling some positive energy. With those goals in mind, it is safe to say that the weekend was a success. The coaching staff is proud of the way the team represented themselves, as the hotel staff was very impressed with how respectful and responsible the girls were this weekend. We have a long, long way to go, but one can see that strides have been made. Keep it up girls, it is happening.
~Coach
Monday, November 12, 2012
Winnipeg ICE crack the W column...
It's true...it's only 1 game, but wow does it ever feel good to get a win! After a Saturday date with Central Plains was postponed due the storm, the Winnipeg ICE hosted the Norman Wild on Sunday afternoon. Coming off of a win over Eastman on Friday, and a very impressive tie with the Avros on Saturday, the Wild walked into Notre Dame Arena on Sunday as a very confident hockey team. However, after a great 2 hour practice (instead of a game) on Saturday night, the ICE were very prepared and quite excited to play as well.
The game began with a quick chance and a shot just over the net by Chantel Olson. After a shift change, the next ICE line vowed to keep the pressure up and get pucks to the net early. After another shift change, the next line was also able to pressure quickly and direct pucks at the net, putting Norman back on their heels to start the game. The energy stayed high on the bench and each ICE line seemed to carry the balance of play. Michelle Kerdes was solid in net when called upon in the first period, which was a sign of things to come. Despite a fairly constant attack, the ICE didn't solve the Norman goalie early on. Finally, with about 4 minutes left in first period, the ICE took a 1-0 lead on a goal from Soupy (Jessi Campbell), assisted by Meara Grant. A late chance for the Wild was turned aside by Kerdes, preserving the 1-0 lead after the first period. In what was described by Coach Jim "as the best period of hockey this team has played to date", the ICE outshot the Wild 20-5. At intermission, the players were reminded that it would take another 40 minutes of the same level of play to get the job done. The players seemed excited about their play to this point, but seemed to understand that their work was far from finished.
The Wild came out very strong in the second period, and it seemed like the ICE might let them back into this game. Kerdes stood tall early on in this period, which allowed the ICE to get back to what they did in the first period. The teams went back and forth for the first 10 minutes of the period, with neither team finding the back of the net. With about 8 minutes left in the second period, Chantel Olson scored to stretch the lead to 2-0, on a goal assisted by Michelle Anderson and Jane Roxburgh. The Wild didn't back down, but the ICE bench seemed determined to see this game through until the end. Late in the second period, Norman finally found a way to beat Kerdes, scoring with a minute left to make it 2-1 for the ICE. At intermission the girls tried to shake off the late goal against, and agreed that their play in the first was better than the second. The team spoke of the importance of owning the third period and sticking to a team game. 20 minutes is a long time, could the girls keep it together long enough?
The answer to that question came very quickly in the third, as Soupy scored her second goal of the night, from Meara Grant and Rielle Chwartacky, 90 seconds into the third period to give the ICE their 2 goal lead back at 3-1. The bench was alive and their confidence started to build. To their credit, the Wild never stopped skating and pushed the ICE to the limit, but Kerdes saved her best period for the last one. 9 minutes after Soupy got her second of the game, Olson scored her second of the game as well, from Sara Reuther, to give the ICE a 4-1 lead. The focus on the bench turned to defense-first, as all players were asked to protect the D-Zone. But the Wild would not quit, forcing a number of odd-player rushes (2 on 1s, 3 on 1s) late in the third period. Thankfully for the ICE, Kerdes was excellent in the final 5 minutes to preserve the first win of the season for the ICE. Soupy added her hat-trick goal, as she scored into an empty net, late in the game to cap off a great performance by the whole team.
In a season where not many bounces have gone their way, and finding the W column seemed to get harder every game, the ICE have faithfully stuck to it every single time they have stepped on the ice. The coaches expected to be greeted by looks of relief on the faces of the players, but instead, they were greeted by looks of hunger. The players were extremely happy, no doubt, but the look in their eyes said "we are hungry for more of this". Pleased with the outcome, to say the least, but the players are not satisfied with simply 1 win. Sunday's game was a great step forward on a difficult journey. It seems like we're about to find out what this team is really made of.
The Winnipeg ICE look to keep it going next weekend as they travel to The Pas to face the same Norman Wild team for 2 games. Saturday's game is at 7:30pm, while Sunday's game is at 10:30am.
Sure...it is only 1 game. But this team really deserves some success. All bets are off now, they know they can do it...they just have to do it every game.
~Coach
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Not exactly how you would draw it up...
To say that the weekend didn't go as planned would be the understatement of the century. As the Winnipeg Ice boarded a huge pink Beaver Bus Line motorcoach on Saturday morning, the confidence of earning a tie 6 days earlier kept everyone in a good mood. What each person on the bus did not know, was that weekend in southwestern Manitoba would test the bond that everyone on this team shares.
It wasn't all good news though, as the team found out on Friday that they would still be missing one of their leaders, as Ollie was unable to travel with the team. But the team felt good about the weekend, as their first opponent was the same team they skated to a draw with at home on Sunday afternoon. The afternoon went smoothly: quick bus trip to Brandon, team meal at Montana's, and finally check-in at the hotel. After a little time to unwind and claim some space in their hotel rooms, the players were back on the bus for 70 minute ride to Shoal Lake. Turns out the game was scheduled for 7:30 instead of 7:00, so the bus was a bit early, but the players did need a little longer warm-up anyways, after spending most of the day on the bus. Finally, at 7:30pm the game vs. Yellowhead got underway, and the teams picked up where they left off from Sunday, as they skated back and forth trading chances. It was a pretty good first period, that saw the ICE fail to capitalize on a few chances early on. However, before the first period ended, Yellowhead managed to take a 1-0 lead. Kathleen Kosior was strong in net through the first period. The second period began with another Chiefs goal, extending the lead to 2-0 before the ICE could mount any counter attack. It only got worse from there, already on a penalty kill, the ICE took another penalty (kind of a soft call, in my opinion) to give the Chiefs nearly 2:00 on a 5 on 3 powerplay. Surely another goal against here would put the game out of reach...but the ICE PK stood very tall (and so did Kathleen in net) and found a way to kill off both powerplays. The ICE bench woke up for the first time since Yellowhead took the lead, and momentum seemed to be building. As the ICE pressed to shrink the lead, the Chiefs took a penalty...giving the ICE an opportunity to get closer. A little bit of possession and a few shots on net gave the ICE hope, but a mistake at the blue line and bad bounce resulted in the Chiefs scoring a short-handed goal...and ultimately broke the hearts of the ICE players. The 3-0 deficit wasn't even the worst part of the second period, as Michelle Anderson blocked a shot with her hand. At first she tried to play through the pain, she is a warrior by the way, as her hand was swollen and bruised immediately. She went to the dressing room with several minutes left in the second period, but did not get changed just yet. The loss of another player seemed to drain the ICE even more than the shorthanded goal, leading to another goal by the Chiefs before the end of the second period. At intermission, the coaches reminded Michelle that she would not need to continue in such pain, as she has proven enough today by playing through it for so long. She did play one more shift later in the third period, but was finally convinced that she needed to get it looked at. She left for the Shoal Lake hospital with a few parents and the ICE were left to finish the game without her. The game ended in a very disappointing 5-0 loss. Disappointment in the dressing room was quickly changed to relief as Michelle was already back and her hand did not appear broken. Very few positives came out of the Saturday night game, but it did seem like the injury was not as bad as it looked.
Daylight savings time allowed an extra hour of sleep for the ICE on Sunday morning, as the team met at Smitty's for a 9:00am team breakfast, before boarding the bus at 11:30am for Hartney, Manitoba. The Westman Wildcats were waiting for the ICE, a day after they beat a very tough Avros team 3-2. Westman is a very fast, big, and skilled team, and they showed it very early on, taking a 4-0 lead in the opening 5 minutes. It wasn't even that the ICE were making glaring mistakes, it was simply that any small mistake, or any player being out of position, lead to a Westman goal (every goal seemed to hit metal). But, being down 4-0 was nothing compared to how the ICE felt with about 8:45 left in the first period.
A very tough knee on knee hit to ICE defenseman Tasia Girden, led to very scary scene for all ICE players and coaches and fans. Zack was met with screams as she approached Tasia. The teams were ushered to their dressing room as everyone waited for the ambulance. It seemed like hours, but the ambulance made it and the paramedics did a great job. Tasia was transported to the Souris hospital and was examined there. ICE parent Jamie Bednarz accompanied her SECOND player in two days to the hospital, and the ICE finished the game without another one of their teammates. Michelle Anderson was luckily able to play, but the ICE didn't seem to have it on this day. The details will be spared, but with Tasia in the back of their minds, the ICE lost 9-1 to Westman.
In a weekend where everything went wrong: two losses, 2 injuries, 2 hospitals...and 1 pink beaver bus getting stuck in Shoal Lake...the players supported each other through every minute. In a season where very few things, if any, have gone their way...the players are in it for each other. If anything can be taken from last weekend's experience is that the bond shared between the players on this team is stronger than ever. They have already learned more about themselves and their teammates than most teams will learn all season long. Now it is time for some bounces, some breaks, and some success. Keep at it girls!
~Coach
It wasn't all good news though, as the team found out on Friday that they would still be missing one of their leaders, as Ollie was unable to travel with the team. But the team felt good about the weekend, as their first opponent was the same team they skated to a draw with at home on Sunday afternoon. The afternoon went smoothly: quick bus trip to Brandon, team meal at Montana's, and finally check-in at the hotel. After a little time to unwind and claim some space in their hotel rooms, the players were back on the bus for 70 minute ride to Shoal Lake. Turns out the game was scheduled for 7:30 instead of 7:00, so the bus was a bit early, but the players did need a little longer warm-up anyways, after spending most of the day on the bus. Finally, at 7:30pm the game vs. Yellowhead got underway, and the teams picked up where they left off from Sunday, as they skated back and forth trading chances. It was a pretty good first period, that saw the ICE fail to capitalize on a few chances early on. However, before the first period ended, Yellowhead managed to take a 1-0 lead. Kathleen Kosior was strong in net through the first period. The second period began with another Chiefs goal, extending the lead to 2-0 before the ICE could mount any counter attack. It only got worse from there, already on a penalty kill, the ICE took another penalty (kind of a soft call, in my opinion) to give the Chiefs nearly 2:00 on a 5 on 3 powerplay. Surely another goal against here would put the game out of reach...but the ICE PK stood very tall (and so did Kathleen in net) and found a way to kill off both powerplays. The ICE bench woke up for the first time since Yellowhead took the lead, and momentum seemed to be building. As the ICE pressed to shrink the lead, the Chiefs took a penalty...giving the ICE an opportunity to get closer. A little bit of possession and a few shots on net gave the ICE hope, but a mistake at the blue line and bad bounce resulted in the Chiefs scoring a short-handed goal...and ultimately broke the hearts of the ICE players. The 3-0 deficit wasn't even the worst part of the second period, as Michelle Anderson blocked a shot with her hand. At first she tried to play through the pain, she is a warrior by the way, as her hand was swollen and bruised immediately. She went to the dressing room with several minutes left in the second period, but did not get changed just yet. The loss of another player seemed to drain the ICE even more than the shorthanded goal, leading to another goal by the Chiefs before the end of the second period. At intermission, the coaches reminded Michelle that she would not need to continue in such pain, as she has proven enough today by playing through it for so long. She did play one more shift later in the third period, but was finally convinced that she needed to get it looked at. She left for the Shoal Lake hospital with a few parents and the ICE were left to finish the game without her. The game ended in a very disappointing 5-0 loss. Disappointment in the dressing room was quickly changed to relief as Michelle was already back and her hand did not appear broken. Very few positives came out of the Saturday night game, but it did seem like the injury was not as bad as it looked.
Daylight savings time allowed an extra hour of sleep for the ICE on Sunday morning, as the team met at Smitty's for a 9:00am team breakfast, before boarding the bus at 11:30am for Hartney, Manitoba. The Westman Wildcats were waiting for the ICE, a day after they beat a very tough Avros team 3-2. Westman is a very fast, big, and skilled team, and they showed it very early on, taking a 4-0 lead in the opening 5 minutes. It wasn't even that the ICE were making glaring mistakes, it was simply that any small mistake, or any player being out of position, lead to a Westman goal (every goal seemed to hit metal). But, being down 4-0 was nothing compared to how the ICE felt with about 8:45 left in the first period.
A very tough knee on knee hit to ICE defenseman Tasia Girden, led to very scary scene for all ICE players and coaches and fans. Zack was met with screams as she approached Tasia. The teams were ushered to their dressing room as everyone waited for the ambulance. It seemed like hours, but the ambulance made it and the paramedics did a great job. Tasia was transported to the Souris hospital and was examined there. ICE parent Jamie Bednarz accompanied her SECOND player in two days to the hospital, and the ICE finished the game without another one of their teammates. Michelle Anderson was luckily able to play, but the ICE didn't seem to have it on this day. The details will be spared, but with Tasia in the back of their minds, the ICE lost 9-1 to Westman.
In a weekend where everything went wrong: two losses, 2 injuries, 2 hospitals...and 1 pink beaver bus getting stuck in Shoal Lake...the players supported each other through every minute. In a season where very few things, if any, have gone their way...the players are in it for each other. If anything can be taken from last weekend's experience is that the bond shared between the players on this team is stronger than ever. They have already learned more about themselves and their teammates than most teams will learn all season long. Now it is time for some bounces, some breaks, and some success. Keep at it girls!
~Coach
Monday, October 29, 2012
Losing streak over, spirited effort earns a hard fought tie...
The Winnipeg Ice were full value on Sunday afternoon, in a game that saw a number of firsts for this young team. In perhaps the most complete game, the ICE skated to a tie with a tough Yellowhead Chiefs team at Notre Dame Arena. The Ice came out extremely strong and pushed the Chiefs to the limit through the opening 10 minutes. But, as has often been the case, the ICE were not able put one past the goalie early on. The Chiefs pushed back but Kathleen Kosior was very good when she needed to be in the first period of this game. The ICE seemed determined to take the lead before the end of the period, and their persistence paid off...very late in the period. With only 2.7 seconds left, Jane Roxburgh scored from Michelle Anderson and Carley Jewell, on a textbook behind the net passing play. The ICE were in the lead after the first period and they outshot their opponents 14-6 - both "firsts" for this team after the first frame. While pleased with their overall intensity and effort, the coaches and the players stressed the importance of the next 40 minutes, and while a 1-0 lead felt great, the ICE did miss a few opportunities to extend the lead.
The second period was another good one, for both teams. The play went back and forth, with both teams having chances to cash in. Kathleen Kosior was very good again for the ICE, as she made some key saves to keep the score 1-0 for the ICE. After a 5 on 3 powerplay for the ICE resulted in many shots...but unfortunately no goals...the Chiefs scored on their next powerplay chance, on a very nice deflection. The period ended 1-1, but the ICE once outshot their opponent for the second straight period - another "first" for this team. The players reminded each other that a full 60 minutes would be required to find that elusive W everyone has been dying to get. But, they spoke with great confidence that they could get the job done. A much different attitude that some of the previous games, one could tell that this team was not about to lose this one.
The third period turned out to be just as exciting as the first two, as both teams pressed for the winner. Both goaltenders were very good in net, and neither team ended up as the victor. Kosior saved her best period for last, as she preserved the tie for the ICE with a few dazzling saves before the final buzzer.
In the room after the game, the coaching staff expected a sense of relief...as they finally managed to earn at least 1 point - another 'first' for this team. But what the coaches actually found was some level of relief and happiness, but also hunger in the players' eyes to feel victory! Of course the players were pleased with their game, but it was obvious they wanted more. This 1 point was a huge step forward for this team, and they are ready to take a few more steps together. The ICE and Chiefs play the second game of their home and home series on Saturday in Shoal Lake at 7:00pm. Great job girls, let's go get that win!
~Coach
The second period was another good one, for both teams. The play went back and forth, with both teams having chances to cash in. Kathleen Kosior was very good again for the ICE, as she made some key saves to keep the score 1-0 for the ICE. After a 5 on 3 powerplay for the ICE resulted in many shots...but unfortunately no goals...the Chiefs scored on their next powerplay chance, on a very nice deflection. The period ended 1-1, but the ICE once outshot their opponent for the second straight period - another "first" for this team. The players reminded each other that a full 60 minutes would be required to find that elusive W everyone has been dying to get. But, they spoke with great confidence that they could get the job done. A much different attitude that some of the previous games, one could tell that this team was not about to lose this one.
The third period turned out to be just as exciting as the first two, as both teams pressed for the winner. Both goaltenders were very good in net, and neither team ended up as the victor. Kosior saved her best period for last, as she preserved the tie for the ICE with a few dazzling saves before the final buzzer.
In the room after the game, the coaching staff expected a sense of relief...as they finally managed to earn at least 1 point - another 'first' for this team. But what the coaches actually found was some level of relief and happiness, but also hunger in the players' eyes to feel victory! Of course the players were pleased with their game, but it was obvious they wanted more. This 1 point was a huge step forward for this team, and they are ready to take a few more steps together. The ICE and Chiefs play the second game of their home and home series on Saturday in Shoal Lake at 7:00pm. Great job girls, let's go get that win!
~Coach
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Third period not the issue this time...
After having the wheels fall off in the third period of the both of the last two games, the Ice vowed not to allow that to happen on Friday night in Portage. The game started with high hopes of putting together a full 60 minutes and getting a win against a tough team from Central Plains. The teams traded chances early on and it seemed like both teams settled in to their game plans. The Capitals were relentless on the forecheck all night long, which took away time and space from the Ice players. Midway through the period, the Capitals scored from a tough angle to take a one nothing lead, followed by another odd goal a few minutes later to take a 2-0 lead. The Ice did not want to let this game get away from them, so they pushed back and Jane Roxburgh got the Ice closer with a goal late in the first period , after some very hard work from her linemates. Carley Jewell, playing her first game at forward this season, and Ashley Kubic assisted on Jane's goal. A tough first period ended with a 2-1 deficit, but the Ice were confident they could make a game of this. The Capitals pressed hard in that period but Michelle Kerdes was very good in net. Two mistakes led to the Capitals first two goals, so the Ice players spoke of eliminating mistakes and staying the course in the second period. The Capitals came on strong in the second period, but the Ice were equal to the task as the game wore on. Off of face-off in the second, the Capitals found a loose puck and took it to the net, and found a way to make it 3-1. Before the end of the second period, a very impressive Capitals powerplay made it 4-1 on a bullet of a shot from the point. Again, Kerdes was solid in net, but two very skilled plays cashed in for the Capitals. In an odd situation, the Ice talked about how the second period was better than the first, despite allowing two goals. The team did minimize their mistakes, but they weren't able to cash in like the Capitals did. The third period started with the Ice showing a few signs of nervousness, not wanting to allow the third period to get away from them, as it did the last two games. The Capitals pushed hard to seal the deal, but Michelle Kerdes was exceptional in net in this period. The effort and intensity did not fade for the Ice in this third period, but the Capitals proved to be too much on this night, as they added another late goal to win 5-1.
Another tough loss, left more questions than answers...but the effort didn't fade in the third. The loss makes 6 straight to open the season. Plain and simple, the Ice need to find a way to get a win and build from there. The longer it takes to win, the harder it gets. Nobody in the Winnipeg Ice camp is happy about this start, but this event is not a sprint...it's a marathon. Stay the course. Believe.
~Coach
Another tough loss, left more questions than answers...but the effort didn't fade in the third. The loss makes 6 straight to open the season. Plain and simple, the Ice need to find a way to get a win and build from there. The longer it takes to win, the harder it gets. Nobody in the Winnipeg Ice camp is happy about this start, but this event is not a sprint...it's a marathon. Stay the course. Believe.
~Coach
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