Last 4 games show ICE moving in right direction...

Lately, the Winnipeg ICE are beginning to show signs of a dangerous hockey team. After a mediocre (at best) game against Eastman that ended in a 3-3 tie, the ICE have picked up their play considerably, and are showing countless signs of drastic improvement.

A trip to The Pas, saw the ICE win both games against a very tough Norman Wild team, who were in 2nd place in the MFMHL at the time. The ICE won 6-2 on Saturday night and 5-1 on Sunday morning, in one of the most successful trips in ICE history. Kathleen Kosior stopped 19 of the 21 shots she faced in her win on Saturday, while Michelle Kerdes stopped 27 of the 28 shots she faced in her win on Sunday. It was a great weekend for the ICE, as Renee Stevenson and Ashley Kubic were out due to injury/illness. All lines were firing and playing well, but Kelsey McHolm, Kelli Rowswell, and Jessi Campbell's line (Black Line) combined for 14 points in the two games.

After a sketchy ride home from The Pas, the ICE had no time to rest, as Monday saw the two Winnipeg AAA teams meet for the 3rd time this year. While the ICE held the lead for most of the game, an "interesting" penalty was called with just over 1 minute to play in the game with the ICE leading 3-2. While the ICE PK unit was an impressive 8/8 up until this point in the game, as very skilled Avros powerplay found a way to tie the game at 3 with 18 seconds left. Heartbroken, the ICE lost coverage on the next face-off and allowed the Avros to score again with 1 second remaining to win. A terrible way to lose, but it was a great game overall and the ICE deserved a much better fate.

Finally, in the final game before the Christmas break, the ICE faced the undefeated Pembina Valley Hawks. It was another solid effort by the ICE against a top team in this league, but they couldn't find a way to tie the game late, Hawks win 4-3.

Overall, the ICE earned a 2 and 2 record against arguably the three best teams in the league. More impressive still, is the stats from those games:

Goals for Winnipeg ICE: 17

Goals against: 11

PowerPlay: 5 for 19 = 26%

Penalty Kill: 21 for 22 = 95%

All signs point to the ICE hitting their stride just in time for the most important tournament of the year. The ICE travel to Calgary to compete in the amazing Mac's Midget AAA Tournament, playing some of their best hockey in two years. Finally, it seems, the players are beginning the believe what the coaches have been saying all along...this is a very special group of players....bound to taste success!

From everyone in the Winnipeg Ice family, we wish you all a very happy holiday. Please celebrate the holidays safely, we'll see you in Calgary on Boxing Day!!!

Special Teams Nightmare vs. Avros...

A rematch against their closest rivals couldn't even spark the ICE to play their best game of the year on Saturday. While the first period went back and forth for the most part, a sloppy special teams performance by the ICE allowed the Avros to lead 2-1 after 20 minutes. A shorthanded goal and a PP goal (against a usually very stingy ICE PK) accounted for both Avros goals. The second period was controlled mostly by the Avros, who managed to stretch the lead to 3-1 by the end of the frame. The ICE stayed strong and battled, even narrowing the lead to 3-2 with a shorthanded goal of their own early in the third period. The tide could have turned here and the ICE were right back into it. But another Avros PP goal sealed the deal for the Avros, who added 1 more with 7 seconds to play, ending the very frustrating game on a sour note.

Some highlights were Kelsey McHolm's shorthanded goal and Kelli Rowswell's team leading 8th regular season goal, assisted by Taylor Webb. Kathleen Kosior stopped 26 of the 31 shots she faced.

As mentioned above, the special teams were the difference today, as the ICE allowed not 1 but 2 shorthanded goals, in addition to allowing two powerplay goals against for the first time this season. Key injuries were a factor, as Madison Neapew and Ashley Kubic were both sidelined with injuries and both play a huge role on special teams. It was back to the drawing board at practice on Sunday as the PP received a major overhaul.

We'll get 'em next time, girls.

Positive signs everywhere on road trip...

It's always great to get the team on the road for the first time each season. The Winnipeg ICE found themselves on the road to Brandon on Saturday afternoon, in preparation for a Saturday night date in Shoal Lake to face Yellowhead, followed by a Sunday afternoon battle in Hartney against Westman. This road trip has not been kind to the ICE lately, as the team went winless in 4 games in two trips West last season. However, the ICE were confident they could change that on Saturday, as an excited team boarded the bus and had a great pasta meal at BPs in Brandon before checking in the hotel.

Saturday night's game started slow for the ICE, as the hometown Chiefs pressed for the early goal. The ICE held the Chiefs off the board in the first period, but they weren't happy with their performance through 20 minutes. The Chiefs did manage to score in the second period, getting a powerplay goal against a very tough ICE PK unit to take a 1-0 lead. This goal seemed to spark the ICE, who were now looking for the equalizer. Finally, with just over a minute left, Meara Grant scored on a 2 on 1 with Carley Jewell to tie the game. The ICE saved their best period for last, as they pushed to win on the road for the first time this season. Kelli Rowswell scored the go ahead goal (assited by linemates Jessi Campbell and Kelsey McHolm) and then, in one of the nicest goals scored all season long, Jessi Campbell scored  on a one-timer off of a tic-tac-toe play from Kelsey McHolm who spun and feathered a no-look pass towards Campbell in the slot. The ICE managed to hold on to the 3-1 lead, largely thanks to 30 saves by Kathleen Kosior. What a start to the road trip! The team was greeted to fresh fruit smoothies in the lobby after the game, supplied by our food services department, then off for a lively bus ride back to Brandon for a team dinner at the hotel.

Sunday started with a team breakfast at Smitty's then some team activities outside before checking out and boarding the bus to Hartney. For a variety of reasons, Hartney is one of the most difficult places to play, and this day would be no different. Before the game, the coaching staff had line-up changes to ponder, as two players were not able to play after being injured in the 3-1 win the night before. Ashley Kubic and Alexis Manningway were not in the line-up on Sunday. To make a long story short, it was a difficult game to be a part of, as 17 penalties were called, the ICE lost another player due to injury (Maddy), and despite coming back to tie the game at 2 after falling behind 2-0 in the second, the ICE eventually lost the battle against the home team, eventually falling 4-2. Michelle Kerdes was very good in net, stopping 29 of the 33 shots she faced. 

Other than the injuries, and some of the things that happened in Sunday's game, it was a great weekend for the team. There were lots of laughs, some very good hockey, and despite already being a very close-knit group...the weekend brought the team even closer. While the entire team played quite well this weekend, a special shout-out goes to #4 Kelsey McHolm, whose 4 points earned her Player of the Week honours from the MFMHL. Congrats Kels! Great weekend, girls!

Injury Report: Maddy Neapew is on the mend after crashing into the boards hurting her shoulder, she is hoping to return very soon. Alexis Manningway will return to the line-up on Saturday after she was cleared to play earlier this week. Ashley Kubic will be out of the ICE line-up until later next week at the earliest.

Great event, bad result...

The Winnipeg ICE were extremely proud to be a part of "Female Hockey Fights Cancer" on Saturday in Selkirk. The Winnipeg ICE and the Winnipeg Avros, along with Hockey Winnipeg raised nearly $14,000.00 for CancerCare Manitoba in the event. Close to 850 people attended the game, and the ICE and Avros kept them on the edge of their seats all game long. Wearing customized pink and baby blue jerseys, the ICE certainly looked the part in this amazing charity event.

It was a quick start to the game, as the cross-town rivals sized each other up in their first of four meetings this season. The game went back and forth, as the crowd cheered every close chance. Both teams had opportunities to score in the opening period, but the score remained 0-0 after 1. The ICE players were more relaxed after the first period, as their nerves started to settle. Playing in front of so many people gave both teams a little more energy, but also raised the stakes a little bit. The Avros struck first on a powerplay midway through the second period, but ICE refused to back down. The ICE pushed back and found a way to tie the game at 1 before the second period ended. Kelli Rowswell scored from Jessi Campbell and Nicole Adamyk to even the score through two periods. ICE goalie Michelle Kerdes stopped 14 of the 15 shots she faced through two periods, including several great saves.

The third period started slowly but the Avros quickly turned up the heat, finding a way to take a 2-1 lead 4 minutes into the final frame. They added another goal less than 5 minutes later to deflate the ICE bench. The ICE lost a little energy and couldn't get back into the game, as the Avros take the first meeting 3-1. It was a close game for the most part, but the ICE know that anything less than 60 minutes will not cut it against their closest rivals.

While the result wasn't what anyone in the ICE camp was looking for, the overall event was spectacular. It was great for the two Winnipeg teams to come together for such a great cause. Despite the loss, the coaching staff was very proud of the players were able to accomplish throughout this event. Looking forward to next year's event....let's aim for $20.000 next year!

ICE can't buy a break in weekend games...

Saturday vs. Norman Wild:

Never has the saying "you have to play a full 60 minutes" been more fitting than on Saturday evening, after the Winnipeg ICE had control of the game against the Norman Wild. The ICE fired over 40 shots on net and held the lead with just over 5 minutes left, only to lose 4-3 in heartbreaking fashion. The game can summed up this way...the Wild capitalized on ALL their chances, using 36 seconds of the 60 minute game to score all 4 goals. Two of Norman's goals came 11 seconds apart in the 1st period, and 2 goals came within 25 seconds of each other late in the 3rd. While the ICE played a solid game for 59:24, the Wild skated away with a 4-3 victory and the all important two points. Full credit goes to the Wild, who have consistently found ways to win, but the loss left the ICE players and coaches wondering what they need to do to catch a break.

Sunday vs. Eastman Selects:

Another solid effort by the ICE, as they fired over 40 shots on net once again, only to give up two late goals and tie Eastman 2-2. The ICE jumped out to an early lead and played three good periods of hockey. Eastman made it a 2-1 game midway through the third period. In an already penalty filled game, 16 penalties were called in the game, the Selects were given a 2 minute 5 on 3 powerplay with 4 minutes remaining in the game. While the ICE PK has been great this season, they could not kill off the 2 player advantage and the Selects tied the game at 2. The ICE pressed hard for the winner late in the game, but they could not find the back of the net.

Another point gained with the tie, but definitely a weekend of missed opportunities. The ICE remain dedicated to each other and will continue to improve and fight until the end. Perhaps a date with their closest rivals will light a spark. Crosstown nemesis, the Winnipeg Avros, will take on the ICE in Selkirk on Saturday for a huge game in support of CancerCare Manitoba at 2:30pm. This is the perfect time for the ICE to break out...wouldn't it be sweet? Go ICE Go!

~Coach

ICE battle back to save a point, after lazy start...

For whatever reason, the ICE like to do things the hard way. On Sunday, the ICE travelled to St. Adolphe to face the Eastman Selects for the first time this season. After a tough loss to Pembina Valley the night before, the ICE spoke of playing a simple game and having fun again. The ICE were excited to play and seemed ready for a battle. However, once the puck was dropped, the only team that seemed ready to play was the Selects. In just over 6 minutes the Selects dominated the ICE and took a 3-0 lead. In what could very well be the worst 6-plus minutes of hockey played by this team in 2 seasons, the ICE managed to dig themselves a huge hole. The ICE seemed to wake up after the 3rd goal and began to play with some much needed urgency.

Not much was said on the bench, there wasn't much that could be said about that first 6 minutes of play, but with 12 minutes left in the first, Kelsey McHolm got the ICE a little closer by scoring a goal assisted by her linemates Jessi Campbell and Kelli Rowswell. At 3-1, the ICE continued to dig themselves out of the mess they created, and with just over 3 minutes left in the first period, Kelli Rowswell added her 4th regular season goal to make it 3-2 (assisted by Kelsey McHolm). Despite coming back to outshoot the Selects 11-7 in the first period, the ICE still trailed 3-2.

The dressing room was fairly quiet between periods as the team discussed what went wrong and what needed to happen to in order to find a way back into this game. Hard work and desperation were the only choices at this point, and the players vowed to tie this game up during the second period. The ICE came out flying and managed to outshoot the Selects 12-3 in the second period, but could not find a way to tie the game. The ICE controlled the puck for most of the period, but the Selects battled through the period without allowing the tying goal.

With 20 minutes left to play, the ICE knew they would need their best period of the game if they were to salvage anything from this game. As they pressed for the tying goal, ICE goaltender Michelle Kerdes (who came in relief for Kathleen Kosior) stopped all 10 shots she faced. The ICE once again controlled the play and outshot the Selects 18-4 in the third, finally managing to tie the game with 8:23 remaining in the third period. Rielle Chwartacki found a loose puck and buried the ICE's 3rd goal, assisted by Meara Grant and Madison Neapew. The ICE bench cheered loudly, as their hard work finally paid off. Neither team managed to get another goal, so the ICE salvaged 1 point, with a 3-3 tie.

Another tough game, that could've been much better for the ICE had they not staked the Selects a 3 goal lead in the first 6 minutes. Lessons must be learned from this experience, but give full credit to the ICE for battling through adversity and finding a way to tie the game late.

Highlights: Carley Jewell fired 11 shots on goal to lead the ICE in that category. Kelli Rowswell and Kelsey McHolm each had 1 goal and 1 assist. Bryn Schmidt led the ICE in plus/minus with her +2 rating. The ICE PK was a perfect 4 for 4, 100% for the second game in a row. Finally, the ICE fired over 40 shots on net for the second time this season, outshooting the Selects 41-14.

Next up is a much anticipated rematch against the high flying Norman Wild on Saturday at home, followed by a rematch against the Selects in St. Adolphe on Sunday.

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.