This year's Ice best ever
CHL Central Hockey League

This year's Ice best ever

by Mike Wallin
December 28, 2002 - Central Hockey League (CHL)


Yes, it's only December 29, 2002, however, this year's version of the Indianapolis Ice is staking a claim at being the best Ice team ever. With a 17-8-5 (39 points) record, the 2002-2003 Central Hockey League Indianapolis Ice trail only the IHL 1989-1990 Turner Cup Championship team after thirty games in the standings. The Turner Cup Championship team narrowly eclipses this years' team as that squad holds the Ice record by going 19-8-3 (41 points). More importantly, this Ice team is a legitimate championship contender.

"Guys are realizing that we have something special here," said Captain Bernie John. "We have three lines that are scoring, a solid defense and great goaltending. This team is playing for the logo on the front of the sweater instead of the name on the back. That wasn't the case the past three years."

So, what does it take to win a championship in the Central Hockey League? Back in 1999-2000, the Ice had only a 12-16-2 (26 points) record at this point of the season. During the second half of the season, that version of the Ice solidified its' defense and became rock solid in net. The result was a team that stormed into the playoffs and claimed the 2000 Central Hockey League's Miron Cup. This club already is defensive oriented and the goaltending of Shawn Silver and Jamie Morris has been nothing-less-than outstanding. The question remaining will be if enough offense will surface in the tightly defensive playoffs?

"Early in the year, St. Jacques and Baird carried us offensively," said McRae. "Now we are rolling three lines and all are scoring. The second line of Holmes, Taylor and Dumba has been a big key for us."

The Ice has passed the Memphis RiverKings to claim first place in the Northeast Division of the Northern Conference. Indianapolis has been the CHL's hottest team of late, winning 13 of their last 17 and taking 6 of 8 on their recent road trip. With 34 games remaining on the schedule, the second half of the season could be very exciting for Ice fans.

"We'll need to stay healthy and get some bounces along the way," said Jared Dumba. "You have to be good to be lucky and lucky to be good."

WEEK GONE BY

Thursday night in Bossier-Shreveport, the four game win streak came to a halt for Indianapolis. Mudbug goals by Dan Wildfong, Trevor Buchanan and Chris Brassard were more than enough to defeat the Ice 3-1. Justin Kearns (7) scored the lone Indy goal, spoiling Ken Carroll's shutout bid. The Bossier netminder turned aside 40 Ice shots while Jamie Morris stopped 31 in the loss.

Friday in Wichita, the Ice completed their eight game road trip in high style with a convincing 5-2 victory over the Thunder. It was a night of firsts as Nate Elliott and Ryan Carter each notched the first career goals of their professional careers.

"Finally, the monkey is off my back," said Carter. "I love being a part of this team and I just want to contribute any way that I can."

Jared Dumba (13), Jason Baird (9) and Ryan Aikia (2) also lit the lamp for the red hot Ice. Shawn Silver returned to the nets and notched his 12th win of the season by stopping 31 Wichita shots.

Saturday, the Ice finally returned home to an energized crowd of 5,250 and downed the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs 2-1. Ryan Carter (2) and Andrew Taylor (6) notched Ice goals while Shawn Silver was once again "gold" in net, stopping 26 shots for his 13th win. Silver had a shutout all but locked up until Dan Wildfong scored with 1:17 left in regulation.

"This was such a big win for us tonight," said coach McRae. "They've humbled us all year, so it was very big for us to win on our own ice."

WEEK AHEAD

It's right back to the road for Ken McRae's boys. Indy will return to Fort Worth for a New Year's Eve game and will spend New Year's Day in Oklahoma City skating against the Blazers. The Ice is 3-0-1 versus the Brahmas this season and a perfect 2-0 against Oklahoma City.

Friday night, the Wichita Thunder visit the Indiana State Fairgrounds Pepsi Coliseum before Indy hits the road again for a Saturday night tilt in Memphis. Indianapolis has won all three games against Wichita and has a 3-2 record versus the RiverKings.

ICE CHIPS

The CHL All-Star team starters will be selected by votes from head coaches and selected media representatives. Gary Unger, the Tulsa coach will round out the Northern Conference team. While Shawn Silver is a lock to be named to the team, Kevin St. Jacques, Ryan Aikia and Bernie John deserve serious consideration.

Indy is 9-2-4 on home ice and 8-6-1 on the road.

Jared Dumba, (8G, 7A) has solidified the second line since joining the Ice 15 games ago. The third year pro arrived from Oklahoma City for "future considerations" on November 27. For the season, Dumba has (13G, 9A).

The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central.



Central Hockey League Stories from December 28, 2002


The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer(s), and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.


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