Getting you all caught up from the week that was for the Winnipeg based WHL team.
Week in Review:
ICE Record: 3-0-0 (2-0 W vs CGY, 6-3 W @ BDN, 5-0 W vs BDN)
Two shutouts and a two-goal comeback made for a great week for the Winnipeg ICE.
After two games on the road, the ICE returned home on Tuesday, March 8 for their third meeting of the season with the Calgary Hitmen. Winnipeg got their offense from the back end in a 2-0 win – Ben Zloty opened the scoring early in the first before Tanner Brown snapped a 12-game goal drought early in the second. Daniel Hauser only had to stop 14 shots for his fourth shutout of the season.
On Friday, March 11, the ICE headed two hours west to Brandon to battle the Wheat Kings. Near the end of the second, the ICE were down 3-1, but Zloty and Zach Benson added late goals to Jakin Smallwood’s first period tally to send the game into the third tied. In the third, Mikey Milne, Matthew Savoie, and Owen Pederson scored to make it 6-3 and give the ICE the win.
The next night on March 12, the ICE and Wheat Kings came to Winnipeg to finish off the home-and-home. Nolan Orzeck led the way with a goal and two assists, while Pederson, Smallwood, Skyler Bruce, and Evan Friesen also scored to lead Winnipeg to a 5-0 win. Hauser made 25 saves for his fifth shutout and second in three games.
Winnipeg officially clinched their playoff spot this week. It will be the franchise’s first playoff appearance since 2015.
Upcoming week (all times in central time):
Winnipeg has four games games this week, with three of them at home.
On Tuesday, March 15 the ICE rematch with the Calgary Hitmen at 7:00 p.m. The Ice have won all three meetings with Calgary so far this year. The Hitmen are two points back of Prince Albert for the final playoffs spot.
On Wednesday, March 16, Winnipeg faces off with the Moose Jaw Warriors. Right now, the Warriors are in fourth place but they hold that by a slim margin over the Saskatoon Blades. The ICE and Warriors haven’t played since January 28 in a 5-4 shootout win for the Warriors.
On Friday, March 17 and Saturday, March 18, the ICE have another home-and-home with the Brandon Wheat Kings. Friday’s game is in Winnipeg, while Saturday’s is in Brandon.
Star of the Week – Daniel Hauser – Three wins, 59 saves on 62 shots, Two Shutouts
Hauser is going to be playing a lot of games over the next few weeks with Gage Alexander injured. This week, responded well after being pulled in his last start with two shutouts and three wins in the week. Hauser increased his already ridiculous record to 21-2-1-0, firmly placing himself as one of the best goalies in the WHL. No team wins a championship without a good goalie; it’s safe to say the ICE have that covered.
