The Kootenay ICE wore their superhero capes, as they took on the league-leading Prince Albert Raiders, however, they were downed 7-3 by the Raiders at Western Financial Place on Jan. 26.
The ICE were decked out in pink as they held their annual Pink the Rink game to raise awareness of anti-bullying.
“I obviously didn’t do a good enough job this week — having a week off— getting our team prepared to play a really good team because there was not much to like,” said head coach James Patrick.
He explained the turnovers and puck management were big problems for the team.
“Twelve chances in the second period, and 10 off of turnovers — we had the puck. Not many positives,” he said.
An early goal in the first minute by Dante Hannoun and a short-handed goal by Parker Kelly set the tone of the game.
The ICE had goals from Brad Ginnell, Connor McClennon and Jakin Smallwood added a short-handed goal of his own.
“The game was there for us at the start, even though we didn’t have the start we wanted, but turnovers haunted our game tonight and we just have to learn from that and clean up our game,” said Smallwood.
The high-powered Raiders saw Noah Gregor with a hat trick and a goal by Spencer Moe, while Hannoun added his second of the night.
“Being the top team like that, it’s a test for us. They are big, they are strong, they are an older team than us and they can skate well. Us being a young team we can definitely take a lot from that game and move on,” said Smallwood.
Goaltender Jesse Makaj faced 35 shots, while Boston Bilous only faced 16.
The ICE allowed two short-handed goals throughout the night, while they scored one of their own.
“Both were turnovers,” Patrick said about the goals. “Awareness of the situation … we can’t have turnovers and allow their good speed on their team to be on the offensive side of the puck.”
The ICE are back in action less than 24 hours later on Jan. 27 at the Scotiabank Saddledome where they face-off against the Calgary Hitmen (22-19-3-1).
“Good thing is we play again in less than 20 hours,” said Jaeger White, who finished the night with five shots on net.
“We haven’t had a lot of quick turnarounds like this 2:00 p.m. game, five hours away. There isn’t really a way to prepare for it, just get good sleep.”
The ICE will be back at Western Financial Place on Feb. 1 as they take on the Swift Current Broncos, puck drop 7 p.m.
jessica.dempsey@cranbrooktownsman.com
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