Back in the saddle and the Ice still can't beat the Oil

A condensed version today as the end of the Bantam season is here – with a championship banner, I might add – and going forward we should be back to regular blogging.


The Score – Edmonton 3 – Kootenay 1

What Happened – Eventually you need to capitalize on your chances. Against the top club in the Eastern Conference, that didn’t happen tonight, and the Ice had many of them.

The Turning Point – With the Ice down 1-0 late in the second and the Ice pressing for the tying goal, Elgin Pearce was sprung for a breakaway only to be hauled down, hacked and stopped, the lack of a call incensed the Rec Plex faithful and demoralized the Ice. The chances were fewer after that.

The Goals – After a scoreless first the Oil Kings drew first blood – though the Ice were carrying the play and most of the chances – TJ Foster skated in to slapshot that seemed to fool Mackenzie Skapski low to the glove-side. 1-0 Oil… Early in the 3rd Tyler Maxwell fired a great shot from the slot that sucked the life out of the Ice and the building. 2-0… With the Oil Kings buzzing and controlling the play down low, Brett Rachinski found Jordan Peddle in front. Peddle one-timed his shot through the legs of Skapski who was caught deep in his net. 3-0… Late in the 3rd the Ice go a 5-on-3 and Max Reinhart finally solved Laurent Brossoit with a point-shot through a crowd for his 27th of the season. 3-1 but it was too little, too late.

The Goaltender – Lawrence Brossoit, taken in the 6th round – 164th overall – last season by the Calgary Flames is firmly planting himself at the top of the heap for goaltenders in the WHL. He calmly stopped almost everything the Ice threw at him tonight and didn’t seem to break a sweat.

The Goaltender, Part II – Mackenzie Skapski got the nod tonight against the Oil, a surprise to those expecting to see Nathan Lieuwen against the Eastern Conference’s best.

The Crowd – 2565

The Magic Number – The WHL Playoffs, while within reach, are not a sure thing – at least not yet. The Red Deer Rebels, who beat the Regina Pats tonight and refuse to go away, are 12 points back of the Ice and 8 points behind Brandon for the last playoff spot. The best the Rebels can do is 83 points so any combination of 4 Ice wins or Rebel regulation losses puts the Ice through for the 14th straight season, the longest active stretch in the WHL.

A reader asked for the video of the Spencer Wand tilt in the Ice 6-5 OT win over Prince Albert. That video is here.

Rec Plex Three Stars

1. G Laurent Brossoit – Cool as a cucumber or the hot hand, pick a superlative
2. F TJ Foster – Big first goal
3. C Max Reinhart – His back is getting sore trying to carry this team.

What it means – The Ice drop to 34-22-4-4 and 76 points; still 5th in the Eastern Conference. Two up on the idol Saskatoon Blades but now three back of the Calgary Hitmen, who beat the Swift Current Broncos.

Up Next: The Hitmen are here Saturday night.

Summary:
Oil Kings 3 @ Ice 1

CRANBROOK, B.C. - Western Hockey League summary for regular season game between the Edmonton Oil Kings and the Kootenay Ice; February 29, 2012

The Edmonton Oil Kings got goals from TJ Foster, Tyler Maxwell and Jordan Peddle to get past the Kootenay Ice 3-1 in WHL action Wednesday.
After a scoreless first period Foster opened the scoring for the Oil Kings in the second with a slapshot that beat Ice starter Mackenzie Skapski.
The Oil Kings increased their lead in the third with goals from the slot by Maxwell, with his 37th, and Peddle, with his 10th before the Ice scored a late five-on-three power play goal by Max Reinhart.
Lawrent Brossoit stopped 32 of 33 shots to get the win while Mackenzie Skapski took the loss, stopping 24 of 27 shots.

First Period

No Scoring.

Penalties -- Pysyk Edm (slashing) 15:31, Montgomery Ktn (interference) 16:02.

Second Period
1. Edmonton, Foster 25 (Samuelsson) 9:09

Penalties -- Peddle Edm (cross-checking) 10:13, Reinhart Edm (cross-checking) 12:17, McKinlay Ktn (slashing) 13:11.

Third Period
2. Edmonton, Maxwell 37 (St. Croix, Wruck) 1:40
3. Edmonton, Peddle 10 (Rachinski, Wilson) 8:54
4. Kootenay, M. Reinhart 27 (S. Reinhart, Ismond) 17:45 (pp)

Penalties -- Pysyk Edm (cross-checking) 4:25, Leach Ktn (slashing) 9:06, Moroz Edm (instigator, fighting, misconduct) Leach Ktn (fighting) 16:02, Pysyk Edm (unsportsmanlike conduct) 16:37.

Shots on goal by
Kootenay: 16 8 9 - 33
Edmonton: 11 9 7 - 27

Goal -- Kootenay: Mackenzie Skapski (L, 9-6-0-2); Edmonton: Laurent Brossoit (W, 36-13-2-3)

Power Plays -- (goals-chances)
Kootenay: 1-6
Edmonton: 0-4

Referee -- Tyler Adair, Derek Zalaski. Linesman -- Chris Carlson, Ian Shaver.

Attendance -- 2565 (4264)

Scratches --
Kootenay: Luke Paulsen, (upper body - day-to-day), Drew Czerwonka (knee - 3-5 weeks).
Edmonton: Stephane Legault, Cole Benson, Ryan Dech, Mason Geertsen, Tristan Sieben.

One step forward, another back

The Snakes and Ladders that is the Eastern Conference standings for the Kootenay Ice continued Wednesday night in Regina as the Pats outlasted the Ice 2-1. The Ice built up a 4-2 lead in Brandon the night before only to have it evaporate in the dying seconds though this time Jesse Ismond scored the only shootout goal to give the Ice the extra point in the standings in a 5-4 win.

Last night's highlites in Regina are here.

Though the video shows a lot of 2-on-1's I don't think it was reflective of the game as a whole. More of a goaltender's battle as both netminders played well. A stat that stands out however was the Ice going 0-6 on power play including a key 5-on-3 in the third period that fizzled. Jeff on the broadcast last night had an interesting stat that has the Ice 1-14 with the two-man advantage.

The Regina Leader-Post has a gamer here.

Scratches were F Drew Czerwonka, who is out with a knee injury for the next 4-6 weeks, and D Spencer Wand. F Luke Philp, 16, will likely join the club later this weekend in Saskatoon.

The loss puts the Ice at 33-20-4-4 and 74 points. The Calgary Hitmen leapfrogged them last night with a win over the Tigers, who are three up on the Ice with 77 points.

They didn't get the points but D Jeff Hubic continues to pump up the reputation as a big hitter and one that can throw 'em in a tussle with Regina D Kyle Burroughs. Video for that scrap is here.

Highlites against the Wheat Kings Tuesday night are here.

The Ice have more key match-ups this weekend against teams behind them in the standings. Saskatoon on Friday - that is televised on Sportsnet - and Saturday in Prince Albert against the Raiders.

With the Ice 11 points back of the Eastern Conference leading Edmonton Oil Kings with 11 games to go, the race has to realistically be for 3rd in the conference as the Tigers sit just three points up and are fighting some key injuries with F Kale Kessy, F Hunter Shinkaruk and G Tyler Bunz all out with upper body injuries, though listed as day-to-day.

Highlites, or lowlites, depending on your point of view

The video evidence is in from Saturday night and it's not pretty.

UPDATE: D Jeff Hubic has been suspended one game by the WHL for the hit Saturday night.

First things first; Jeff Hubic gliding to hit Brandon Davidson who has possession of the puck behind his net is here.

It's clear that Hubic doesn't charge but due to the dangerousness of the hit, I'd go with a two minute minor at best - and even that's a stretch. The major was not the correct call.

Adding insult to injury is the fact that Davidson feeds the puck to Stephenson at the Ice blueline and Lydon Martell running a pick to allow Stephenson to dangle in and score. It's at about 1:22 of the game video here. The goal is credited to Klimchuck but it's clearly Stephenson that does the deed.

There's a glitch in that the audio starts early but the video starts later.

Wand vs Rodewald is here.

Trevor Crawley has the Townsman recap here.

The Ice practiced today and left for Brandon to face the Wheat Kings Tuesday night. They get a rematch with the Pats Wednesday as both games - in fact all of them - are becoming increasingly important with the logjam that is the Eastern Conference Standings.

Broadcast goes at 6PM Cranbrook time on the Drive (102.9FM) or here if you're listening online.

Zebras don't help, Ice drop game to Pats 4-2

The Score - Regina 4 – Kootenay 2

What Happened – Oh the Nathan Wieler show surely had things out of sorts for the home side but 15 shots in a game usually means you’re on the wrong side of the W. Though, granted it's tough to mount an attack shorthanded for 21 minutes.

The Turning Point – A 2-2 game in which the Ice had taken control of Jeff Hubic’s ill-advised charging major on Pats captain Brandon Davidson gave the visitors a five minute power play. They finally cashed in on their 9th attempt of the evening.

The Goals – After being outshot 7-2 to start the hockey game Wand’s battle with Rodewald halfway through the first energized the Ice but an errant cross-ice pass in the Pats zone by Jeff Hubic – playing forward on this night – ended up on Tanner Olstad’s stick. A 3-on-2 ensued and 16-year-old rookie Dryden Hunt one-timed his 3rd of the season past Lieuwen. 1-0 Pats… After killing off almost six minutes in penalties the Pats got the Ice running around shortly thereafter. A post here, a great Lieuwen save there and a rebound popped out to Weal parked at the side of the net. He got his 34th; 2-0 Pats… In the third and desperately needing one, the Ice finally got both a call and a goal. With Morgan Klimchuk off for tripping Elgin Pearce found Luke Paulsen at the point. He fired his second through a screen. 2-1 Pats… With the new found momentum, Spencer Wand intercepted a clear in the neutral zone and dropped to Max. He ripped his 22nd. 2-2 and the place was jumping. That was about to change… Fresh off of not missing a shift after the charging major, Davidson skated into the Ice zone and fed Chandler Stephenson. There was a pick on the play that could’ve been called but on this night nothing was going the Ice’ way. Stephenson deked Lieuwen to put the Pats up 3-2…. Lane Scheidl added an empty-net goal to seal the deal for the Pats.

The Celebration – Hunt’s exuberance – he’s a Nelson product that moved over the pass from Kimberley four years ago – after the Pats first goal was augmented by the two Nelson Peewee teams in the crowd.

The Fight – This one looked planned for awhile. Rodewald, 17, skated to centre ice to accept Wand’s challenge. After he took a couple in the spirited bout, Wand’s right cross downed Rodewald. The two faced-off against each other – Wand with the Saskatoon Midget Contacts and Rodewald with the Notre Dame Midget Argos – last season in the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League. A history perhaps?

The Rookies – Thought Luke Philp made the trek down for tonight’s game but the 16-year-old will join the team for the road trip out east this week. His Canmore Eagles didn’t make the playoffs and Philp is eligible to join the Ice for the rest of the season.

Not a good sign – Walking by me in the media and scouts room prior to the game was F Drew Czerwonka on crutches with a knee-brace on. Strained knee ligaments almost certainly, and hopefully not a tear.

The Penalties – In the second period the Ice got a lot of time in the box. First Brock Montgomery skated through the crease behind Pats goaltender Matt Hewitt and was dumped by the Pats goaltender but drew the goaltender interference. Banging his stick in frustration he drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for good measure giving the Pats a four minute man-advantage. After almost killing the entire thing, Tanner Muth took a cross-checking penalty to give the Pats a short two-man advantage. Of the five minutes of penalties, Pats star Jordan Weal was on the ice for four of them. Five-on-five a minute later the Pats dominated and Weal put one in.

The Toss – Ice assistant coach Jerry Bancks – not pleased with the lack of a call on a spear to Max Reinhart’s chest after falling down in the Pats corner – had some choice words for referee Nathan Wieler. Wieler tossed him. If you know Jerry Bancks, he’s a man that rarely gets on the zebras, that’s how ugly this one was getting. When Klimchuk tripped Paulsen in the 3rd and Wieler's arm went up, he got a standing O from Section P.

The Hit – All the momentum on their side Hubic was a little too excited and crushed Pats captain Brandon Davidson behind the Pats net. A charging penalty it was. A major? Don’t think so.

The Crowd – 2911. Angry on this night. Wieler would’ve had a tough time getting a police escort out of the building tonight. The local constabulary being Ice fans and all.

Rec Plex Three Stars

1. D Brandon Davidson – one assist, +2
2. D Spencer Wand – Fight, assist – both game-changers
3. D Martin Marincin – completed the three-star D-man trifecta

What it means – This one could hurt. The Ice fall to 32-19-4-4 and still at 72 points. The Hitmen beat the Blazers tonight and leap-frogged the Ice into 4th in the Eastern Conference. They have 73 points. The Pats are four points back in 7th.

Up Next: Four games in five nights through the Prairies starts Tuesday night in Brandon. That Ferland guy that burned the Ice last Tuesday for two goals got four tonight against Prince Albert.

Ice get by Chiefs

Caught the Ice game just as the first period was coming to a close last night so I'll spare the recap and save that for the weekend wrap up tonight as the Regina Pats are in town.

Max Reinhart got a goal and two helpers as did Joe Antilla as the Ice beat the Chiefs 4-3.

Drew Czerwonka and Jon Martin got the other goals.

The Ice improve to 32-18-4-4 and 72 points, 4th in the Eastern Conference, two shy of Medicine Hat for 3rd and only one clear of Saskatoon and Calgary - but with a game in hand on all three.

Biggest concern right now is Drew Czerwonka. He left the game after going down after a collision awkwardly on his knee. One hopes that it's a Charlie Horse but the way he was grabbing the outside thigh/left knee makes one wonder about a strained ACL, or worse. Had a torn one of those when I was 20 so hopefully it's the former.

He's out for tonight as the Ice have recalled F Luke Philp from the Canmore Eagles of the AJHL. Philp, 16, leads that team in scoring with 16 goals and 30 assists for 46 points in 48 games.

Czerwonka also tweeted that he won't be playing in Regina this Wednesday as the Ice begin the road trip through the Prairies, stating, "Won't be playing in Regina this wednesday. Sorry for people who already had tickets!"

Yes, I've finally given in to the one aspect of new technology that holding out made me older than I am - Twitter. @jeffbromley1

Couldn't help it. Too much good info almost instantaneously distributed. I was watching the Calgary/Dallas game Thursday night and following Jamie Benn's scary skate cut on his leg and his status, less than a period later his brother tweeted that he would be okay.

Back to the game:

Mackenzie Skapski recovered nicely from a whiff on the first Spokane goal and earned the win, he's 8-5-0-2 on the season with a .889 save percentage and a 3.11 GAA.

Blogged earlier about the Pearce/Descheneau/Martin line. They were dynamic last night. Martin got his 6th of the season and the 16-year-old has a nose for the net. He's rebound goal in the second was the eventual game-winner.

Good crowd at 2873.

Pats are here tonight. 7PM

Wheaties edge Ice

The Score – Brandon 4 – Kootenay 3

What Happened – An end-to-end hockey game that finally ended on the last shot taken.

The Goals – After the Wheat Kings came out firing – only to be stopped by Nathan Lieuwen who was stellar on three of the Wheaties first six shots – the Ice got their legs under them. Levi Cable took a puck off the half-wall and fed Tanner Muth at the point. Muth sent a shot to the net that Brock Montgomery neatly deflected past Wheat King starter Brandon Anderson for a 1-0 Ice lead… The supporting cast continue to produce when Jon Martin burst down the right wing with speed, cut to the middle in front of Wheat King D-man Rene Hunter and then deked Anderson for his 5th of the season and a 2-0 lead… All that great work and nine seconds into the second Lieuwen had a 45-foot slapper go by him to cut the lead in half when Mike Ferland notched his 32nd of the season… Brandon completed the comeback with the teams 4-on-4, Eric Roy went to the net on a give-n-go and Lieuwen poked checked it, only to have it go off Roy and right to Mark Stone. He doesn’t miss the hard ones never mind the open net. 2-2… With Dirk in the box, the Wheat Kings took the lead on the power play when Stone got the pass down low and fed Ferland in the slot. He one-timed his second of the night and 33rd on the season past Lieuwen. 3-2 Wheaties…. Late in the 3rd Walker put one into the seats and Ismond made him pay for it with a nice goal after walking out from the half-wall and putting the puck around a prone Anderson… You can live by the sword and also die by it. A week or so ago the Ice beat the Hitmen at home on a last second tip-in by Sam, tonight Eric Roy intercepted a weak clear, made a move to the middle of the ice and ripped a wrist-shot that beat a surprised Nathan Lieuwen to give the visitors the win. Highlites of the game are here.

The Hit and fight – Shortly after the second goal Brock Montgomery ran over Jason Swyripa and was going to get the gate but Hunter obliged him in a tussle. Hunter got the first right in but not much else, taking an overhand right that sent him to the ice and the dressing room. The video of the scrap and knockout punch by Montgomery is here.

One he’ll be seeing in his sleep – The so-called 4th unit of Descheneau, Martin and Pearce – more on that later – had a glorious 3-on-2 opportunity that resulted in Jon Martin having a wide-open net to shoot at. Sometimes they go in, sometimes they go wide.

Out of the doghouse – F Elgin Pearce, 19, returned to the lineup after missing two games against Saskatoon and Calgary over the weekend – both wins – as a healthy scratch. With 18 goals – tied for 3rd on the team – Pearce has but one goal in his last 13 games. The line played well but there’s an obvious message there.

Noticeable for the Wheaties – Mark Stone – an obvious choice for the Team Canada forward – but Michael Ferland is a beast. The 6’3” 208lb Flames draft choice gave Ice D-men fits all night. Trade deadline acquisition Kevin Sundher didn’t turn any heads.

Clouston – The former Ice coach managed to get some key line match-ups with Stone, Ferland and Walker matched up against Kootenay’s third line at times. And I'll say this: Firewagon and Clouston were never in the same sentence during his tenure here. Those Wheaties are a big, fast and offensive team. Defense? Not so much.

Stat you should know – The loss was Kootenay’s 11th against teams in 8th place or worse in the Eastern Conference. Another one you might want to wrap your head around: the Wheaties are 10-3-1 at the Rec Plex over the past six seasons, by far the best winning percentage of any visiting club to the Plex over that span.

Stat you should know Part II - That big line of the Wheat Kings - Stone, Ferland and Walker - notched 7 points between them last night. Stone was a 5th round Bantam pick while Walker was snapped up in the 12th round in 2007, just four picks from the last player taken. Ferland? A list player who made the club as a 17-year-old. All are Manitoba boys.

The Turning Point – Just as I finished typing Ismond’s power play goal late to tie it Eric Roy’s beauty finished the sentence.

The Crowd – This was a great hockey game. Entertaining as hell with some great end-to-end action. Firewagon hockey might not be what’s successful for the Ice all that much but it’s a blast to watch. Too bad only 2447 – one of the smallest of the season after Nathan Lieuwen’s Faith Night drew the season largest on Saturday – bothered to show up.

Rec Plex Three Stars
1. F Brenden Walker – Wheaties big line was on fire and he set up three of the four goals
2. F Jon Martin – Goal and more chances that he’ll care to remember. Hungry at the net.
3. F Michael Ferland – Two goals and a big bruiser.

What it means – The game was the one in-hand for the Ice as they drop to 31-18-4-4 on the season and 70 points, still 4th in the Eastern Conference.

Up Next: Spokane, also in 4th place – in the Western Conference – are here Friday. The Pats are here Saturday.

Summary:

Wheat Kings 4 @ Ice 3

CRANBROOK, B.C. - Western Hockey League summary for regular season game between the Brandon Wheat Kings and the Kootenay Ice; February 14, 2012

Brandon defenseman Eric Roy scored with three seconds left in the third period to give the visiting Wheat Kings a 4-3 win over the Kootenay Ice in WHL action Tuesday.
The Ice took a 2-0 first period lead on goals by Brock Montgomery, with his 18th, and Jon Martin who notched his 5th before the Wheat Kings stormed back in the second period with three straight goals, two by Michael Ferland and another by Mark Stone for a 3-2 lead headed into the third period.
The Ice tied it late in the game with a power play goal by Jesse Ismond but just as the game looked to be headed to overtime, Roy ripped a wrist shot that beat Nathan Lieuwen over his shoulder.
Brandon Anderson stopped 31 of 34 shots to get the win while Lieuwen turned aside 26 of 30 shots in taking the loss.

First Period
1. Kootenay, Montgomery 18 (Muth, Cable) 12:02
2. Kootenay, Martin 5 (Simpson) 12:56

Penalties -- Ciarelli Bdn (roughing) 16:41.

Second Period
3. Brandon, Ferland 32 (Walker, Pulock) 0:09
4. Brandon, Stone 37 (Walker, Roy) 7:33
5. Brandon, Ferland 33 (Walker, Stone) 16:08 (pp)


Penalties -- Descheneau Ktn (hooking) 6:03, Pulock Bdn (tripping) 6:31, Hunter Bdn (instigating - served by Asham, fighting, misconduct) Montgomery Ktn (charging, fighting) 8:43, Dirk Ktn (interference) 15:31, Ciarelli Bdn (checking-from-behind) 16:35, Ismond Ktn (goaltender interference) 17:08

Third Period
6. Kootenay, Ismond 15 (S. Reinhart, M. Reinhart) 17:39 (pp)
7. Brandon, Roy 8 19:57

Penalties -- Walker Bdn (delay-of-game) 16:49.

Shots on goal by
Kootenay: 14 7 13 - 34
Brandon: 10 8 12 - 30

Goal -- Kootenay: Nathan Lieuwen (L, 24-13-4-2); Brandon: Brandon Anderson (W, 14-17-2).

Power Plays -- (goals-chances)
Kootenay: 1-4
Brandon: 1-3

Referee -- Derek Zalaski. Linesman -- Chris Carlson, Cory Lundquist.

Attendance -- 2447 (4264)

Scratches --
Kootenay: Jeff Hubic, Spencer Wand.
Brandon: Curtis Honey, Alessio Bertaggia, Tyrel Seaman, Dominick Favreau

Summary courtesy Jeff Bromley of the Cranbrook Daily Townsman

Ice finish off Chiefs 4-2 for a four-point weekend

Following a few weeks of the Bantams and a week at the coast, we’re back

The Score – Spokane 2 – Kootenay 4

What Happened – The Ice goal some good goaltending – it’s rare when they don’t get that – and a fine time for Dylen McKinlay to notch his first-ever WHL hat-trick.

The Turning Point – They wouldn’t need the last second heroics on this night. Less than three minutes after the Chiefs tied it on the power play Joe Antilla took a pass and skated down the left-wing. His shot managed to beat Engel that the Chief goaltender definitely wanted back.

The Goals – Early in the second off a neutral zone face-off Jesse Ismond poked the puck past a committed Chief D-man that caused a short 2-on-1. Ismond fed a net-charging McKinlay who potted his 12th for a 1-0 lead… Liam Stewart – he’s Rod-the-bod’s boy – burst into the Ice zone with speed and made a move on Jagger Dirk before shooting. Lieuwen made the save but couldn’t stop Holmberg from ripping the rebound by him. 1-1… The Ice regained their one-goal lead on a good forecheck by Jesse Ismond who intercepted a clear on the half-wall and found McKinley in the slot. He ripped his 13th and second of the night past Engel for a 2-1 lead… For all their chances it was the Chiefs who tied it 8:36 into the 3rd with Leach in the box for slashing. Brenden Kichton’s point-shot deflected off of Czerwonka kneeling down to block it and behind Lieuwen. 2-2… Ice regained the lead this time off a break-in with Joe Antilla on a snap-shot off the wing. Looking for a puck on the net for a rebound, Antilla got his 10th of the season when Engel gloved it, only to have it go off his glove and over him into the back of the net. 3-2… McKinley finished the Hattie when he corralled a pass – yes, Ismond fed this one too – at the far post that he initially missed but managed to bang in to make it 4-2 late in the 3rd.

The Flurry – Early in the 3rd the Ice came out red-hot and pinned the Chiefs in their own end for three consecutive shifts. Ismond missed on a glorious chance and Sam hit the cross-bar. For all those chances only two shots registered. For all their momentum, minutes later the Chiefs scored to tie the game on the power play.

The Hit – Ice Captain Drew Czerwonka threw the biggest hit of the game down low on Chiefs winger Collin Valcourt in the first period, drawing a loud reaction from the Ice faithful.

The Tough Guy Kramer – The WHL’s fight leader with 21 this season and reigning heavyweight started hard early but became a non-factor as the game wore on. The Chief’s captain intimidates with his size and reputation but with no fights to be had on this night, the 5th round pick of the Ottawa Senators last June wasn’t the Milan Lucic-type for the Chiefs.

The Injuries - The young Ice have soldiered on without leaders like Luke Paulsen, Max Reinhart and Drew Czerwonka over the last few weeks. Czerwonka's back and Reinhart could play Tuesday while Paulsen may be back for the weekend.

The Crowd – 2838

Rec Plex Three Stars

1. RW Dylen McKinlay – Puck is starting to go in for the 19-year-old, Hat-trick
2. LW Jesse Ismond – Set-up man with three helpers
3. G Nathan Lieuwen – Stellar, again.

What it means – The Ice improve to 29-15-4-4 on the season with 65 points, now in 5th in the traffic jam that is the Eastern Conference standings.

Up Next: They’ll have Tuesday’s ‘Hooky’ for hockey day in Edmonton as the area school kids get to go to the game during school hours. Gametime is 11:30AM at Rexall Place in Edmonton as the Ice try to claw away at the Oil King’s 9 point conference lead.

Summary:

Chiefs 2 @ Ice 4

CRANBROOK, B.C. - Western Hockey League summary for playoff game between the Spokane Chiefs and the Kootenay Ice; February 4, 2012

Dylen McKinley notched his first-ever WHL hat-trick as the Ice downed the Spokane Chiefs 4-2 in WHL action Saturday night.

After a scoreless first period McKinley got his 12th of the season on a feed from Jesse Ismond on a short 2-on-1, pushing a shot past Chief goaltender Mac Engel to make it 1-0. The Chiefs tied it on Mitch Holmberg's 22nd of the season five minutes later but at the 17:24 mark Ismond intercepted a clearing pass and fed McKinley who ripped his 13th of the season past Engel to give the Ice a 2-1 lead going into the 3rd.

Brenden Kichton's 12th of the season with the Chiefs on the power play tied it 8:36 into the 3rd three minutes before Joe Antilla got his 10th of the season on a shot Engel didn't get all of his glove on as it went up and over him for the eventual game-winner. McKinley finished off the hat-trick and the Chiefs with a tap-in late in the game for a 4-2 final.

Nathan Lieuwen stopped 28 of 30 shots for the win while Engel stopped 16 of 20 shots in taking the loss.

First Period

No Scoring.

Penalties -- Kramer Spo (roughing) Dirk Ktn (high-sticking) 11:45, Kichton Spo (tripping) 18:34.

Second Period
1. Kootenay, McKinley 12 (Ismond) 2:22
2. Spokane, Holmberg 21 (Stewart, Fram) 7:10
3. Kootenay, McKinley 13 (Ismond) 17:24

Penalties -- Czerwonka Ktn (high-sticking) 7:21, Antilla Ktn (holding) 18:17.

Third Period
4. Spokane, Kichton 12 (Gal, Uher) 8:36 (pp)
5. Kootenay, Antilla 10 (Benoit, Montgomery) 11:14
6. Kootenay, McKinley 14 (Ismond, Leach) 18:17

Penalties -- Wedman Spo (holding) 1:29, Leach Ktn (slashing) 7:33.

Shots on goal by
Kootenay: 4 8 8 - 20
Spokane: 11 9 10 - 30

Goal -- Kootenay: Nathan Lieuwen (W, 22-11-4-2); Spokane: Mac Engel (L, 22-14-1-2).

Power Plays -- (goals-chances)
Kootenay: 0-2
Spokane: 1-3

Referee -- Sean Raphael, Pat Smith. Linesman -- Jeff Jobson, Ian Shaver.

Attendance -- 2838 (4264)

Scratches --
Kootenay: Luke Paulsen (concussion - 1-2 weeks), Max Reinhart (foot - day-to-day), Levi Cable.
Spokane: Tanner Mort, Reid Gow, Corbin Baldwin (game two of two-game suspension).

Summary courtesy Jeff Bromley of the Cranbrook Daily Townsman