A close game was lost on a miscue by Portage defenders near the end of the third period, in a 4-3 defeat at the hands of the Niverville Nighthawks.
The first period saw Portage score a pair of goals as Breck Hirrschoff and Kyan Grouette both tallied their first as Terriers. 2-0 Portage after 20 minutes.
The frame came to a crazy end, with a massive scrum which resulted in five penalties, three going against Portage.
The second period would see four goals, with Niverville tying the game at 3 just before the halfway mark of the game.
An unfortunate giveaway at the side of the net sent the puck to the front and Niverville was able to capitalize with their fourth goal with just over four minutes remaining.
Portage would pull Mitchell Kathler to get the extra skater, and despite several good opportunities, the Dogs would fail to score, losing to Niverville for the second time this season.
Portage will be back on the ice on Friday when they take on the Selkirk Steelers on the road. That game will be broadcast on CFRY with coverage beginning at 7:20 p.m.