ICE Continue to Succeed Virtually
January 27, 2021 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Winnipeg Ice News Release
It's a bitterly cold winter day in Winnipeg, but you wouldn't know it by the energy in the voice on the other end of the call.
Winnipeg ICE head coach James Patrick is upbeat - buoyed by the topic of conversation - the local Western Hockey League team and the journey the staff and the players are on as they work through the pandemic together.
"We've been real happy with the group we have here, the character, the type of people they are," said the head coach. "I felt that about this team all year last year, and they've shown me that (again)."
CHALLENGING TIME
Almost 11 months since COVID-19 changed life for all of us, and brought the 2019-20 WHL season to a halt, Patrick is emotional when talking about the impact of the virus on young people.
A coach, and parent, the former-NHLer isn't just thinking of the youngsters he deals with day-to-day. He points out no matter where your interests lie - the arts, academics, sport, or just plain growing up - this is a truly complex time to work through.
"The values and the life lessons they're missing out on, you feel terrible for young kids, teenage kids."
Patrick knows how valuable those years are in shaping lives, and while he feels badly very little is normal these days he sees plenty to feel hopeful about based on his work with the ICE.
"I just think our guys have been so positive throughout this, and I've been real proud of them that way."
STAYING CONNECTED
So what have Patrick and the ICE been doing that allows the coach to have such a clear read on his group? A bunch that's spread out from the prairies to the west coast.
Zoom meetings provide a foundation for much of the team work since the coronavirus shut things down. Those virtual gatherings started shortly after the players headed home in March, became regular events by May, and continue to be the tie-that-binds as the recently announced 24-game season approaches.
"They've stayed connected with each other. They talk, they're on group chats, they're messaging with each other," praised Patrick. "They're certainly aware of everything going on in the world and at no time have I heard 'woe is me'. It's amazed me that they have not complained or put themselves ahead of what's going on in the world in these circumstances."
On top of the meetings there's 'homework', assigned challenges that call on the guys to complete tasks and post results to a private Instagram account.
"It (the social media challenges) brings life to our team and really shows how we can respond to certain situations," said veteran forward Jakin Smallwood from his Alberta home. "The challenges have been fun and encouraging. Not really competitive, but they have gone competitive in some ways [laughs]. I think they've been good and they've been keeping us upbeat and motivated for the season."
Patrick says mental health, fitness, nutrition, community service, leadership, and personal development have been major themes in their virtual gatherings throughout the pandemic.
Oh, and yes coaches will coach - game video has increasingly been included to cover the hockey side of things.
HOPEFUL FOR WHAT'S AHEAD
The pandemic reminds us all of the importance of being flexible in order to find a way forward, but the Western Hockey League's intent to provide a 24-game regular season is enough to lift the spirits of fans, staff, and players alike.
"We all want to play hockey. We all want to get back on the ice and play some games. So, the League announcing that we will have a season is good news and brings hope to the team and hope to the League as well," said Smallwood enthusiastically. "We're all eager and ready to go!"
And that goes for the coach too.
"To be on the ice with our team, to run practice, and to be pushing them and encouraging them and trying to teach them - there's no place that I would rather be," said Patrick before making it clear the '21 campaign can't come soon enough. "I can't wait for us to get at taste of that again."
The WHL Board of Governors have made a commitment to play a WHL 2020-21 Regular Season. The start date for the season will be determined once final approval has been received from the Health Authorities in each provincial and state jurisdiction and it is anticipated the approvals will be received soon.
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Western Hockey League Stories from January 27, 2021
- ICE Continue to Succeed Virtually - Winnipeg Ice
- Cole Kehler Signs with the Manitoba Moose - 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.
