Tough weekend for the Ice

The Cold Lake Jr B Ice took on the second and third place teams in the Northeast Alberta Jr B Hockey League (NEAJBHL) over the weekend, taking one of four points. Friday was a 7-6 overtime battle against the Frog Lake T-Birds (2nd in NEAJBHL) and Saturday was a 7-2 decision to the Killiam Wheat Kings (3rd in NEAJBHL).

Game 1 vs Frog Lake

“We battled Frog Lake, really good. The boys showed resilience late in the game and then we ended up winning in overtime.” The first period was a back-and-forth battle between the clubs, with the T-Birds’ Courage Omeasoo recording the first goal.  Donavan Bibeau responded help from Jonah Henderson & Kole Greenwood, before Frog Lake put in another goal; this time from  Delano Tipewan. The Ice managed to tie it up before the close of 20 minutes, thanks to veteran player,  Shane Whitney (assists to Coltan Buchta & Jean-Guy Boisvert).

Ethan Lacrocque took the lead for the Ice, 8:38 in the second with assists from Austin Power & Shane Whitney. The club wouldn’t hold it long, just 45 seconds later, Michael Cardinal tied it up for the T-Birds.

The third period continued with the fast-paced back-and-forth action,  Steven Kufflick with the Ice put in an unassisted goal; which was followed by an unassisted Frog Lake goal, from Joshua Swampy.  Conner Landry &  Coltan Buchta took the go-ahead, that was short-lived with the T-Birds’  Courage Omeasoo &  Michael Cardinal getting unassisted goals late in the game to close regulation at six goals a piece.

Just 20 seconds is all  Donavan Bibeau needed to end things, with the help of Austin Power & Coltan Buchta, the Ice won 7-6 in overtime.

Game 2 vs Killiam 

“We were shorthanded, it’s not an excuse, everybody does it. But we didn’t have any APs, we had 14 players. It’s a lot of hockey,” regardless of how many guys came out, Coach Hood explains the team just wasn’t ready to play, “we have to be prepared to play; any team. It doesn’t matter if they’re in 9th -10th or 1st or 2nd. We have to come prepared and ready to play, every night.”

The Killiam game saw two Ice goals and seven from the visiting club.  Jean-Guy Boisvert and  Evan Feehan recorded the only Ice goals for the club.

“We gave up 13 goals in two games, that’s not who we are. We’re going to have to tighten up our D-Zone,” Coach Hood says strengthening up the defense will be a focus going into Friday’s game against the Vermilion Tigers.