Girls 16 & Under Ice Breakers

Player of the Week 3/8/10

Kate Johnson

"To watch Kate work when she is on the ice, it almost looks effortless!! This young lady has honed her hand eye coordination to a razor's edge! Her soccer skill's are evident the way she plays the puck with her feet. Her keen skill to find "open net" has a lot to do with her success. Kate's ability to come forward for the team has a long history. Two years ago she had a 5 goal game when the Icebreakers tied a Grand Rapids travel team 5 to 5. This year she started a scoring streak which is still going, by scoring the winning goal in overtime in the "Girls go Pink" tournament in Marquette. When the Icebreakers need a goal the most, #18 seems to always show up. One other point that can't go unmentioned is her ability to "read the play" and be at the right spot! A pure pleasure to watch play this game!!!" ~Coach Kortz

Player of the Week 2/22/10

Katlyn Kortz

"Being this Head coach's daughter/player is a tough job, to which this weeks player can agree with!! It took an exceptional job by Katlyn in the weekends' games against Marquette, who came into these games seeking revenge after being ousted from their tourney by the Icebreakers the prior weekend. Katlyn's started the first game off with the first goal and then added two nice assists for a three point game. Her shot from the "point" has become an added threat to the potent Icebreaker offense." ~Coach Kortz

Player of the Week for 1/11/10

Hailey Spencely

"Rookie Goaltender Hailey Spencely not only recorded her first shutout of her short career, but did so against the very powerful and talented Cheboygan U19 team. Hailey's unbelieveable work ethic is what has brought her to such quick success. Her confidence level along with the rest of the team has grown tremendously." ~ Coach Kortz

Player of the Week 2/8/10 Elizabeth Darrow

"This young lady wasn't chosen Alternate Captain by chance! Lizzie's giving it ALL, every shift! is what stands out most. This weekend was no exception as she carried the play offensively for the Icebreakers. In two wins over Manistique, Liz recorded 2 goals and 1 assist, along with her "cool under pressure" style of play." ~Coach Kortz

Player of the Week 3/1/10

Tara Brody

"I'm sure anyone who is familiar with this team had to be asking "Where's Tara??" Well most every week her picture could appear on this page!! Tara is not only loved and adored by her teammates, but saying she IS the team leader is an understatement. She leads in both goals and assists, but most important by example. This weekend she unselfishly stepped in to tend goal when the team was short their regular goaltender. She then posted a SHUTOUT against a very talented Escanaba team!! She earned a tri-fecta again, in earning every commendation patch awarded by USA hockey!! That being Hat Trick, Playmaker and Zero award for the shutout. Tara came back on Sunday to help the Icebreakers beat Alpena U19 Warriors by scoring 4 goals and adding 1 assist in an 8 to 5 victory. Watching this young lady play, let alone helping coach her is a thrill for all involved!!!" ~Coach Kortz

Player of the Week 2/1/10

Samantha Huhtala

"Sam and her family came down from the Soo, to help the Icebreakers with her talents. And the talent was evident on Sunday as she scored the game winning goal against the Powerful Cheboygan U19 team. Not to mention her second (empty netter) insurance goal to seal the deal!" ~ Coach Kortz

Player of the Week 3/15/2010

Emily Ramsay

Emily came to the rink with a friend, watched her play and became "attracted" to the game. I don't think at the time she ever thought she would be playing this year. With an invite from the coach & team about mid season she contacted us to tell us she was ready to "give it a try"!! Emily skated sometimes 4 times a week to get her skills on the "fast track"!! By seasons end Emily was moving up and down the ice comfortably. She has definitely proven she is going to persevere and improve at this sport!! ~Coach Kortz

Player of the Week 1/25/10

Kali Ormsbee

"Rookie Kali Ormsbee this weekend recorded two beautiful assists in games in T.C. Her hustle and determination were unbelievable for this first year skater. To see her confidence build through her understanding and enjoyment of this game is inspiring!"~ Coach Kortz

Player of the Week 2/15/10

Rachel Hetherington

"Better known as "Jr." or "Lil Taz" has been chosen this week because of her endless energy and determination displayed in last weekends "Girls go Pink" tournament. In which she scored the tying goal to take the game to overtime! Her defensive play on Saturday also help her team make it to the finals on Sunday. With her young age and attitude a very eventful hockey career awaits her!" ~Coach Kortz

Players of the Week 3/15/2010

The Defense!

Katlyn Kortz

"Katlyn was chosen by the coaches to go back on defense, with some reservations she did so, and with the great play and help of her defensive teammates! (previously mentioned)She has become comfortable at the position. Her passing and shot has helped her make a somewhat smooth transition." ~Coach Kortz

Players of the Week 3/15/2010

The Defense!!!!

Kelsey Peppler

"With the season winding down there's NO WAY we couldn't mention our most OUTSTANDING aspect of our team!! The Defense!!! Starting with our Captain Kelsey Peppler "Special K" leading the way! Kelsey's play on defense is all about stubbornness and working with every bit of energy she has to stop attacking opponents. She has made several defensive plays this year to stop attackers that are "ESPN quality" highlights! With her coaches sometimes asking "How did she do that?" To this young lady hockey isn't a sport, it's a passion. But then we have heard that she approaches softball the same way. Her attitude and approach towards her sport is what makes her the perfect Captain of this group of successful girls. She is small in stature but HUGE in showing and speaking of "what it takes" to feel good about your effort. She also has worked with "rookie" defense women and groomed them well. I hope she enjoyed her season as much as we did watching her patrol our blueline!!!" ~Coach Kortz

Players of the Week 3/15/2010

The Defense!!!

Jessie Diesler

"Jess is probably one of the most unique defensive players I have ever watched. Her mental game when she is on the ice is what really sets her apart! She is another one of our players that panic is not a part of her game. When situations look bleak she always manages to come through and make the play to stop the attackers. Jessie stepped forward a couple years ago to play defense and has never looked back. She moved very quickly to "veteran" status, to someone a coach could be comfortable with back in a position so critical. Her smooth passes out of her defensive zone really help spark the offense of her team. What more could any coach ask for than a "scholar" defense person? A key part of our "Fab Four"!!! ~Coach Kortz

Players of the Week 3/15/2010 TheDefense!!!

Clare Lamberti

"Clare's presence's on the blue line is definitely a huge plus for the Icebreakers, as opponents have found out in trying to get around her! Her grittiness in "digging" for pucks in the defensive zone is also a standout. She also has a good quality in keeping the puck in the attacking zone, whether it be putting it in the corner or on the net. Clare scored a late goal in the third period of a game against Escanaba early in the season to secure a 1 to 0 victory for the team. That goal was a VERY important

part of the Icebreakers season, as the team's confidence grew tremendously after that! Her attitude of "having fun" is a very important part of the chemistry of this team." ~Coach Kortz

"In a news release to ESPN the Mackinaw City Icebreakers #1 fan had this to say: I don't know what's wrong with that coach of the Icebreakers, but if he didn't post my girlfriends picture (Tara Brody) on that website SOON. I was about to show him some of my "FISTICUFF MOVES!!!!" And it wouldn't have been pretty for him! She is my HERO and when I start playing I want to be just like HER!! "~Drew Lillie

Player of the Week 12/20/2009

Heidi Mercer

Heidi returning to hockey this year was a pleasant surprise! As her skating has always been strong! This year when the team was in need of goaltending, Heidi stepped forward to give it a try. she earned a shutout against T.C. mid season. But the amazing thing that happened was she began to appear on the score sheet often!!! Heidi ended up with 6 goals and 10 assists while not in the net. With two of the goals being "game winners!!" She looked comfortable centering the line which performed their role so well. Great Job, Great Year!! ~Coach Kortz

Person's of the Week 3/22/2010

Cheryl Mercer

This young lady should feel absolutely fabulous about her accomplishments this year!! With her specialty being "player development." Cheryl took on the task of working with the new "rookie" players. And the job she did was OUTSTANDING!!!! She worked with Kali Ormsbee early in the year who had never even skated before. By midseason Kali was able help the team by taking "regular shifts" on the ice, by the end of the season Kali had her coaches convinced she was going to be a hockey player by "giving all" and enjoying it!! Then enter Emily Ramsey, another non-skating "rookie!" Cheryl started the successful process all over again! By years end Emily was moving up and down the ice with the play!! What Cheryl did for these girls will be remembered forever! If not by them, for sure by Me!!! Thank You so Much!!!!" ~Coach Kortz

Person's of the Week 3/22/2010

Gary Mitchell

"With the season over it's time to thank the people who really make working with the girls much easier and much more enjoyable! The wonderful people who helped this year at practice and on the bench. Gary Mitchell has brought a load of talent to this organization and continues to do so in Tara Brody. But Gary has groomed her along with other "Mackinaw Greats" such as Alan Mitchell, daughter Crystal, Tara's brother Nick, by building them an outdoor rink at his home to "polish" their skills at an early age. This along with Gary's challenging them and passing along his great "work ethic" has turned out the amazing talent shown on the ice. Even though he'll tell you he taught them every move!!! Gary's tough approach to games has instilled in these girls "You can want to win, but HARD WORK gets it done!!" He says he's near the end, until he looks at the little ones coming up in his family and talks about how much better that one could be!!! A true clue that his "coaching" comes straight from the heart!! Thanks for your time, knowledge and MILES!!" ~Coach Kortz

Person's of the Week 3/22/2010

Dr. Mike Johnson

"Mike has been working with the team since we started 3 years ago, and I can't imagine the team without him or Kate!! Even though his busy schedule is "hectic" at times. He makes games and all possible practices a priority. He has a connection with the youth on this team which is so valuable to all! His "calm! never panic" philosophy is what has helped win several games for this group. Also his thoughts at the "Girls go Pink" weekend, when adding his IDEA, helped get to the finals!! Having a Dr. on the bench is so valuable not only to our team, but also opponents, several times this season Mike has "taken a stroll" out on the ice to make sure nothing serious has happened. His professional background is very evident in everything he does and I believe his "approach" has been a perfect example for our girls to follow. If making memories in hockey is as important as I believe. This man has everything it takes!!! People like Kate, Nancy & Mike, make hockey everything it should be!!!! ~Coach Kortz"

Player of the Week 12/13/2009

Taura Lillie

"Taura brings to this team the "Chris Draper" effect. With her scoring skills still developing she has taken on the roll of being on the "grind line"! Her job being to disrupt the opponents attacks. Scoring being the secondary task. Taura had a 5 point weekend against T.C. which proves she has the hands when she's ready to use them. With brother Drew in the wings, I'm sure she will soon be pushed forward by sibling rivalry. Great Season!!!" ~Coach Kortz

Player of the Week 12/19/2010

Ashley Dorey

"Ashley's roles on the team this year were many, and she accepted and put great effort into every one! Early in the season she was teamed up with Liz & Kate and had multiple point games. We then moved her to a role in front of the net "Thomas Holmstrom style" to which worked very well. at season's end she had taken a spot on the "grind line" and kept on working hard, Contributing to the success of the team. Ash also scored some very important goals for the team this year, two of them against a very strong Escanaba team. Great Job Doreyia!!!!!!!!!" ~Coach Kortz

Icebreakers end Season at 31 wins 10 losses 2 ties

Goals for 213 Goals against 118

Goals for avg. 4.95 Goals against avg. 2.75

Shutouts 9

Awards

Tara Brody M.V.P.

Rachel Hetherington M.V.P.

Kate Johnson M.V.P.

Kelsey Peppler M.V.P (Defense)

Kali Ormsbee Most Improved

The Icebreakers want to thank Katy Speeter (right) Ashley Dehn (center) for joining the team for the final weekend of the season. Together they helped the Icebreakers take three out of four games in the "Girls Kick Ice" gathering in the Soo. Katy fit in well and recorded three assists, Ashley had a goal and three assists along was some great work back on defense. They are pictured here with their "player agent" Taura Lillie.