WHL Winnipeg Ice

ICE Look to Ring in the New Year in Saskatoon.

Published on January 1, 2020 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Winnipeg Ice News Release


After the ICE claimed top spot in the east division for the first time this season, they are right back to work in Saskatoon. The Blades currently sit in third spot in the east division but are coming off two straight victories over the Prince Albert Raiders, the team the ICE beat two nights ago.

The ICE and the Blades have met on several occasions this year. The first meeting came in Saskatoon which saw the ICE come back from down 4-1 in the first period to win the game 7-6. The ICE then hosted the Blades for back to back games at the ICE Cave which saw the ICE prevail 4-1 and 7-2. The third straight meeting which was in Saskatoon ended in a 8-3 Saskatoon win in the confines of their home arena.

The ICE continue to stay hot with an 8-2-0-0 record in their last ten games while the Blades come in with a 5-4-0-1 record in theirs. One thing in common, both teams are coming off wins over the Prince Albert Raiders.

WINNIPEG ICE

SASKATOON BLADES

Record:

22-13-1-0

17-15-1-2

Last 10 Games:

8-2-0-0

5-4-0-1

Power Play:

32/159 (20.1%)

27/145 (18.6%)

Penalty Kill:

86/117 (72.6%)

107/136 (78.7%)

GF-GA:

126-130

102-118

Ranking:

1st East Division | 4th Eastern Conf.

3rd East Division | 6th Eastern Conf.

LAST GAME - 3-2 WIN OVER PRINCE ALBERT: As expected, a furious paced opening five minutes as the Raiders and the ICE trying to claim top spot in the east division of the WHL. Connor McClennon opened the scoring with his 17th of the year as he redirected a Carson Lambos point shot past the Raiders goaltender. The Raiders would answer back as Ilya Usau tied it up at one with just under four minutes to go. Less a minute later, Owen Pederson scored his 11th of the season on another tip from a point shot and that would take us into the first intermission.

It wasn't for a lack of chances as goaltenders Liam Hughes and Boston Bilous kept both sides at bay in the second period. Both teams got their first opportunities on the man advantage in the second but nothing to show for it.

Just over a minute into the third period, Ilya Usau scored his second of the night to tie the game at two. Just over a minute after that, Connor McClennon added his second of the night on a great pass from Peyton Krebs to take back the lead. That lead would stand and the ICE now sit in first place in the east division of the Western Hockey League.

Liam Hughes was solid in net and stopped 24 of the 26 shots he faced in the win.

ICE 2019-20 Club Leaders:

Goals: Connor McClennon (18)

Assists: Isaac Johnson, Connor McClennon (20)

Points: Connor McClennon (38)

PIMS: Jackson Leppard (50)

Plus/ Minus: Carson Lambos (+10)

Wins: Jesse Makaj (9)

BLADES 2019-20 Club Leaders:

Goals: Chase Wouters (14)

Assists: Tristen Robins (17)

Points: Chase Wouters, Tristen Robins (28)

PIMS: Riley McKay (60)

Plus/ Minus: Eric Florchuk, Riley McKay (+4)

Wins: Nolan Maier (14)

VS SASKATOON THIS SEASON: The Winnipeg ICE are 3-1-0-0 against the Blades this season.

NEXT UP: Below are the next three games for the Winnipeg ICE:

Wednesday, January 1st - Winnipeg @ Saskatoon

Saturday, January 4th - Winnipeg vs Prince Albert

Wednesday, January 8th - Winnipeg vs Medicine Hat

The ICE and the Raiders will meet for back to back games at the ICE Cave (Wayne Fleming Arena, U of M) on Saturday, January 4th at 7:30PM and Sunday, January 5th at 6:00PM.

Check out the Winnipeg Ice Statistics

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Western Hockey League Stories from January 1, 2020


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