Cold Lake Ice even series 2-2 against Wheat Kings

Killam Wheat Kings’ Tanner Eno fires a centering pass while Ice forward Curtis Hammond looks to shut down the lane.

The Cold Lake Ice are making things difficult having drawn level with the Killam Wheat Kings 2-2 in their first-round series on Tuesday.

The Ice won 6-3 after taking an early lead and being more physical than in Game 3’s loss, which coach Scott Hood liked from his squad.

“It’s a big thing in the playoffs. Wear them down. They had a three-hour bus ride here tonight, so let’s wear them out and make them pay for it.

“Tonight was just an all-round decent game. Not a lot of shots for us, but we’ll take the win in the playoffs.”

One of the key contributors all season long has been veteran goaltender Matt Henwood.

Known for seeing a lot of rubber at times, he’ll be leaned upon in the now best-of-three.

Hood said he’s been a leader and shouldn’t change anything about how he approaches the challenge.

“Just be Henny. We’ve had him for two years now and he’s such a good kid and such a competitor. He wants to win. It’s his last year so he wants to do what he can. If he outplays their goalie, we’ll be fine.”

Noah Cook, captain, and brother Wyatt Cook entered Game 4 with eight points combined.

“I think it just stems from forecheck, backcheck, paycheck. Boys getting the puck to everyone. Got a good couple chances last game from some nice passes and managed to score a couple,” Noah said.

The Cook’s are vocal in the dressing room too.

“I’m not sure a lot of it is smart on my end,” said Wyatt laughing.

“I’m in the mix, but he’s [Noah] a really good leader. It’s been good having him with the C on, it’s totally turned the season around so that’s helped.”

 

The series returns to Killam for Game 5 on Friday night and they’ll be little rest in between games from here on out.

Cold Lake hosts Game 6 at the Energy Centre at 7:30pm and if necessary, Game 7 is in Killam on Monday night.

“Just play hard. Play like it’s our last game and leave it all out there. We’ve got nothing to save it for now, we’ve battled hard to make it 2-2.”