ICE Fall 4-2 to Brandon
December 19, 2021 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Winnipeg Ice News Release
Connor McClennon scored his WHL leading 23rd goal of the season in a losing effort as the Winnipeg ICE dropped a 4-2 decision to the Brandon Wheat Kings in their final game before the Christmas break.
Ben Zloty was the only other member of the ICE to beat winning goaltender Ethan Kruger who finished the night making 28 saves.
"We played a couple periods good and then some breakdowns and then the puck was in the back of the net" said Zloty. "I think we need to clean up our D zone a bit. It's good to have this break so we can regroup and focus on that stuff".
Matthew Savoie assisted on McClennon's goal for his league leading 50th point of the season.
Riley Ginnell scored twice for Brandon, who win for the first time in four games versus Winnipeg. Owen Harris and Landon Roberts also found the back of the net.
"It was a grind it out game between two tired teams. As the game went on halfway through the second period they started out skating us and we weren't executing. Our passes weren't on the tape, we weren't getting pucks in deep and they were able to take it up a notch" said ICE Head Coach James Patrick. "We're not at the halfway point of the year yet but we're close and those guys (Geekie and Savoie) have put in a lot of work. By no means are we satisfied but we've had a good season so far and those guys you mentioned have led the way for us. Connor McClennon is as much a leader of this team on and off the ice for this team, competes every night. A lot of nights he leads the team in hits, points and kills penalties. When Carson went down, he picked up the reins for us."
Gage Alexander finished the game stopping 20 of 23 Wheat King shots.
The ICE are now off until December 27th when they play in Brandon.
Western Hockey League Stories from December 19, 2021
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- Hitmen Fall to Rebels in Overtime - Calgary Hitmen
- Tri-City Plays Final Game Before Christmas Break - Tri-City Americans
- Chiefs Close out First Half on Road against Everett Silvertips - Spokane Chiefs
- Silvertips Ink Third-Round Pick Jesse Heslop to Standard Player Agreement - Everett Silvertips
- Americans Take 6-5 Victory in Roller Coaster Game against Royals - Tri-City Americans
- Hanas, Stefan Combine for Must-Watch Goal in 4-1 Victory - Portland Winterhawks
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- Cougars See Streak End at Vancouver - Prince George Cougars
- Royals Lose to Americans in High-Scoring Affair - Victoria Royals
- Giants Return to Win Column After a 3-1 Triumph over PG - Vancouver Giants
- ICE Fall 4-2 to Brandon - Winnipeg Ice
- Wheat Kings Win in Winnipeg - Brandon Wheat Kings
- Broncos Comeback Falls Just Short in Edmonton - Swift Current Broncos
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