ICE open WHL postseason with 5-3 victory

21 year old defenceman Ben Zloty had four assists to lead the Winnipeg ICE to a 5-3 decision over the Medicine Hat Tigers Friday at the ICE Cave inside Wayne Fleming Arena.

Matthew Savoie registered his first WHL playoff hat-trick while Zack Ostapchuk and Evan Friesen rounded out the attack as the ICE take a 1-0 lead in the best of seven series.

Winnipeg had a 2-1 lead after 20 minutes and a 3-1 advantage through two periods.

Andrew Basha replied with two goals for the Tigers, Rhett Parsons the other.

The ICE finished the game 3/6 on the power play while the visitors were 1/4.

Savoie led all players in the game with seven shots on goal despite Medicine Hat outshooting Winnipeg 36-35.

Daniel Hauser earned the victory in goal while Beckett Langkow suffered the loss.

Game two is tomorrow (Saturday) 6:00 at the ICE Cave inside Wayne Fleming Arena.