The Winnipeg ICE are Eastern Conference Final bound. After taking care of business against the Price Albert Raiders in the Western Hockey League’s opening round playoff series, the ICE finished off the Moose Jaw Warriors four games to one in the best-of-seven second round matchup.
Winnipeg actually started the game rather slowly, falling behind 2-0 in the early stages of the first period. The ICE, however, battled back admirably, cutting the visitors’ lead in half before the end of the frame, before pulling ahead 4-3 through 40 minutes of work. The home team added another two markers in the third period, finishing off the Warriors 6-3, and sending Moose Jaw packing with another Game 5 series clincher.
Matthew Savoie had two goals on the night, while Mikey Milne collected a goal and two assists, leading the way for Winnipeg, which needed just 10 games to make it to the Eastern Conference Championship round.
Goaltender Daniel Hauser turned aside 23 of the 26 shots he faced, picking up win No. 8 of the postseason, outduelling Carl Tetachuk, who made just 22 stops on 27 shots faced. Of Winnipeg’s six goals, five came at even strength, while Milne’s empty-net marker actually came while shorthanded late in the game.
The ICE now host the Edmonton Oil Kings in the WHL Eastern Conference Championship series starting Friday, May 20 at the ICE Cave inside Wayne Fleming Arena. Game 2 follows on Saturday night. Both games start at 7:00 PM central time. The series will then shift to Edmonton for Games 3, 4 and 5. Winnipeg will host Games 6 and 7 if needed. The remainder of the schedule and game start times will be released at a later date.
Go online to www.WinnipegICE.ca to secure your playoff tickets.
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