Ice Bears continue win streak

DE PERE – On Tuesday, Feb. 25, the Bay Area Ice Bears (24-1) defeated the Lakeshore Lightning (15-9-1) with a final score of 6-0 in their sectional semi-final.

The two teams faced off after the Lightning defeated Arrowhead 3-0 on Thursday, Feb. 20, and the Ice Bears received a bye in the first round.

Throughout the first period, the Ice Bears and Lightning battled back and forth ending with neither team scoring.

“Having a week and a half off sometimes can [cause] a slower start, but I think we really picked up the pace after that first goal by Abby and then just started rolling, everybody really found their legs and made it happen,” explained Shane Dickson, assistant coach for the Ice Bears.

The Ice Bears took off into the second period as goals were scored by sophomore Abby Mommaerts from Bay Port, as well as juniors Addison Dahl and Ava McDonald from Notre Dame.

When asked about the team’s motivation, Senior Racheal Beeck from De Pere stated “I think just our positive energy we bring on and off the ice…in the locker room we go over the plays and kind of get our minds right and I think that helps us advance into the next periods.”

Continuing the battle on the ice, the Ice Bears added three more goals in the third period with one scored by sophomore Lily Lyons from Ashwaubenon and two goals by senior Emily Bill from Ashwaubenon. 

In total, the Ice bears had a final shot count of 33 over the Lightning’s 13.

“It feels pretty good. You know, it's been a great season, the girls have played really well,” said Dickson. “Looking forward to [our] two practices now, and then back at it for the sectional final. We’ll be ready to go.”

The Ice Bears will compete in the sectional final on Friday, Feb. 28, where they will face off against the Fond du Lac Warbirds at the Community First Champion Center in Appleton at 4:30 p.m.

“We’re playing hard, we’re playing well, and I think it’s going to be just fine,” said Beeck.