Despite a valiant effort on the ice, the season has come to an end for the Cold Lake Jr. B Ice.
Heading into game six of their first playoff round against the St. Paul Canadiens on Sunday, Feb. 24, the Ice were down 3-2 in the series and searching for a win to force a game seven. Unfortunately, they couldn't make it happen in front of their home fans at the Energy Centre, falling 4-1 to St. Paul.
"It wasn't the way we wanted to go, but we battled hard right until the end of the game. We just didn't come out with the result we wanted," said Bonnyville-native and Ice forward, Scott Thackeray.
Heading into the playoffs, the Ice were ranked fifth in the North Eastern Alberta Junior B Hockey League (NEAJBHL). Out of 32 games played in the regular season, Cold Lake had 31 points with 15 wins.
The Ice started the playoffs strong, taking the first two games 4-1 and 2-1. But, St. Paul made a comeback to overtake the series.
It was the Canadiens who got on the scoreboard first on Sunday, netting the only goal of the first frame.
They added to their lead in the second, widening the gap to 3-0.
"(We) had a couple of bad goals, and a couple of our own goals went off somebody's leg and into the net twice. It is what it is, that's the way you go and we enjoyed (our last) night with the group," said Ice head coach Scott Hood.
Ice forward Donavan Bibeau gave the home team a glimpse of hope before the period was out, finding the back of the net for Cold Lake's first goal of the game.
It was too little, too late though, as St. Paul managed to hold off the Ice in the third and grab another point to walk away with a 4-1 victory.
Regardless of the outcome, for Hood, his team's effort stood out during the game.
"We didn't quit, and we kept playing no matter what... We knew we were in but we kept playing. We didn't quit and we played the full 60 until the final buzzer," he said.
Ice captain Coltan Buchta added, "I was happy with everyone's game. I think everyone fought hard and played well."
While they won the first two games of the series, Hood noted the team wasn't completely into the final game.
"We played a lot of hockey, but we just couldn't get that jump we wanted to in games three and four. Game five we played great, and (the last game) we were just a little gassed," he recalled.
With the realization that their 2018/19 season had officially come to an end, Hood made his toughest speech of the season in the locker room.
"We have a great group, and I'm proud of them. The first words out of my mouth, no matter how bad we did or what everybody thinks of us, it's just to thank them and it's a proud moment for us."
Thackeray believes the Ice were a force to be reckoned with against St. Paul.
"Those first two games, we came out playing just like we wanted to. We let off the gas a little, but I think they were surprised with how we competed with them. We all battled hard," he expressed.
For Buchta, this was his final game donning the Ice jersey.
"It would have been nice to upset in the first round, but I'm happy with the year and season."
Along with him, this was also the last time Bibeau suited up for the Ice.
"They've been great. We've had them for quite sometime and they battle every night. They're great kids and great hockey players," said Hood, noting they will both be missed. "We've never had an issue that way, and just love to be around them. The guys were pretty lucky to have two great leaders there."
The reality of the season being over hadn't sunk in for Buchta at the end of the game, but he was happy with the way the year went.
While they faced some ups and downs this season, Thackeray saw the team improve overall.
"It was great playing with them. They all worked hard every game and it was great to see the 21-year-olds move on. They were great leaders throughout the year. Everyone had a role, and they all fulfilled that role every game."
