First Week in Review
March 19, 2021 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Winnipeg Ice News Release
They said it would be busy, and they were right!
The Western Hockey League's East Division Hub in Regina is home to seven clubs, each slated to play 24 games in less than two months.
Not quite a week into it it's clear the pace is hectic, but it's a "good busy" - an especially good busy after more than a year away from action.
Thursday night the Winnipeg ICE finished off a back-to-back, and a run of three games in four days, with a 5-2 victory over the Moose Jaw Warriors.
"Back-to-back games was a lot of hockey, I do think we're getting better through this unique, incredible experience, "said head coach James Patrick after the Moose Jaw matchup. "We're all excited. I'm excited to coach, and these guys are so happy and excited to have the opportunity to play after the world was shut down for the last twelve months, and they're showing it. I think they're buying-in, they're listening and they're trying to play the right way. I thought again it showed against a good team."
The decision improved the ICE to 3-and-1 to start life in the HUB, and sees them with a three-game win streak heading into Sunday's test against the Prince Albert Raiders.
Here's a recap of how they got to this point.
WHEATIES 3 ICE 2 - Opening Night
Last Saturday, the 2021 ICE season got going with a rivalry showdown against the Brandon Wheat Kings.
Winnipeg built 1-0 and 2-1 leads against Brandon, but could not seal the deal falling 3-2 on a late second period powerplay goal.
2019 WHL draft first-rounder Conor Geekie opened the scoring with his first league tally in one of the highlights of the opener.
Post-game ICE head coach James Patrick talked about the value of getting a game under their belts emphasizing how the contest was a valuable re-introduction to the intensity and compete needed to be successful in games, something virtually impossible to prepare for in practice.
ICE 6 BRONCOS 4 - Home Opener
Monday's home opener, yes half the games in the Hub are designated home games, proved to be a night of firsts.
The ICE won for the first time, and did so with 2005-born Zach Benson notching his first WHL goal, first league assist, and first multi-point game.
Not to be outdone, 2004-born goalie Daniel Hauser did his part in his debut earning the win.
Winnipeg built up a 5-1 second period lead, but didn't put it out of reach until captain Peyton Krebs scored a late powerplay goal.
Newcomer Anderson MacDonald also recorded his first WHL tally in the triumph, that after 85 goals in the QMJHL.
ICE 2 BLADES 1 (OT) - Grinder
Second-year goalie Gage Alexander got his first start of the season in a hard-fought win over the previously unbeaten Saskatoon Blades and impressed.
Alexander made 23 saves on the night, including 14 in a stellar first period, on his way to first star honours.
The ICE upped their pace of play over the final two periods and into the short overtime session outshooting a strong Saskatoon outfit 22-9 after the opening stanza.
Connor McClennon set up Peyton Krebs for the decider in the 3-on-3 session.
This one had a real team-building quality to it with the ICE made to work for everything they got, and every player having to sacrifice for the group.
ICE 5 WARRIORS 2 - Vets Lead The Way
Peyton Krebs and Connor Mc Clennon each extended point streaks to three games, and linemate Owen Pederson scored the eventual winner, as the ICE found a way past a skilled, speedy Moose Jaw team.
Cole Muir's insurance marker early in the third period yielded a pair of milestones as Skyler Bruce and Rhys Raeside earned assists for their first WHL points.
"It was a grind the first few practices, and the first game was a grind as well," said Muir post-game. "It's been a busy schedule so just looking after our bodies and preparing very well for the next game is huge."
Overage goalie Carl Stankowski made his second Winnipeg start a "W" with 26 saves as the ICE closed out a demanding start to the HUB schedule with a third-consecutive victory.
Catch all the action on CFRW 1290 AM with the pre game show starting 30 minutes prior to puck drop as Mitch Peacock and Kevin Olszewski get you set for each and every game.
Western Hockey League Stories from March 19, 2021
- Western Hockey League Statement on COVID-19 Testing Results - WHL
- Winterhawks Broadcasts Return to Portland's CW TV - Portland Winterhawks
- First Week in Review - Winnipeg Ice
- Blazers Sign 17-Year-Old Forward Dylan Sydor - Kamloops Blazers
- Vancouver Giants Announce Roster for 2020-21 Season - Vancouver Giants
- Broncos Looking to End Slide against Moose Jaw - Swift Current Broncos
- Regina Inks Forward Tanner Howe - Regina Pats
- Calgary Hitmen Game Preview - Friday, March 19 at Lethbridge - Calgary Hitmen
- Blades and Raiders Collide for First Time this Season - Saskatoon Blades
- Americans Return with Thrilling OT Victory - Tri-City Americans
- Slow Start Costs Broncos against Brandon - Swift Current Broncos
- Wheat Kings Tame Broncos 4-1 - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Winterhawks Earn Point on Pacific Office Automation Opening Night - Portland Winterhawks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
