The Portage Terriers iced a more veteran lineup in their third preseason game, with the lineup getting close to being solidified for the
After 20 minutes, both teams battled to a dead-even 0-0 score. Neepawa led in shots, but Terrier netminder Jacob Armstrong made a couple of dandy saves to keep the Titans off the board. The Terriers would kill off a 5-on-3 powerplay in the late going of the period to preserve the tie.
The second period would prove a very different story, as the Titans Logan Paquette would score the opening goal 2:10 into the period. However, a powerplay for Portage 18 second later would provide Portage a chance to tie it up, with Ryan Williamson scoring at the 3:52 mark. Evan Lachimea would score at with under 4 minutes remaining in the frame to give the Terriers a 2-1 lead, his fourth of the preseason, despite only playing in the second and third game. The Titans' Colton Alexander would score a pair of goals within 12 seconds to give Neepawa the lead to close out the second period. 3-2 for Neepawa after 40 minutes.
Lachimea, who returns to Portage after a trade to the Superior International Junior Hockey League last season, says that his success in this series has been a result of more than just his own work.
"It feels good. I'm just kind of throwing pucks at the net and everything's going my way. But I've got to give a big shoutout to my linemates tonight, Raz (Emrick Paradis) and Ryan (Williamson). Ryan's been in there for the last two games, and I'm pretty sure he's assisted on every goal. I like playing with him and he's a good player and I gotta give it to them."
The Terriers showed a lot of grit in the third period, coming back to not only tie the game, but take the win by a final score of 6-3. Goals from Reyd Langan, Adler Johnston, Cam Bullinger and Nolan Nenow sealed the deal to sweep the preseason series.
Tristan Gravenor, a first-year Terrier says there's a bit of an adjustment to the game in Manitoba from his home in Quebec.
"It's a little more competitive, a little more physical, but I think getting used to it here has been good, the boys are nice, it's been a good adjustment period here."
The Dogs will face off with Virden in their final preseason game, which will be Sunday, September 15 at Tundra Oil and Gas Place at 7 p.m.