A new season is upon us and the Portage Terriers are looking to redeem themselves from a second-round exit last year.
The 2024-25 season started with a number of familiar faces. The Terriers had four returning defencemen, and five returning forwards. After a back and forth start, the Terriers put together a 9-game winning streak and found themselves near the top of the MGEU East Division for most of the season. For the second year in a row they ended the season in third behind the Steinbach Pistons and Winkler Flyers.
In the playoffs the Terriers had a hard-fought opening series with the Steinbach Pistons in their new building. Portage came out on top in a close game 6. In the second round the Terriers ran into a hot goaltender on the Dauphin Kings and were eliminated in 6 games.
The Dogs were led by Cameron Bullinger who had 62 points in 58 games with Nolan Nenow, Decker Mujcin and Tristan Gravenor close behind. Captain Parker Scherr was a rock on the blue line with Grant Dardis and Owen Witt being a huge part of the defence. The strong defence helped new goalie Mitchell Kathler finish with 25 wins, 2.41GAA, .917 SV% and 5 shutouts. He was named the MJHL rookie of the year, was selected to the MJHL all rookie team, and a finalist for goalie of the year.
Portage made a number of transactions during the season and added key players like Breck Hirrschoff, Sully Ross, Rhett Platt, Will McKay, and Dawson Madden.
Final Roster from 2024-25
Forwards
Cameron Bullinger Nolan Nenow Will McKay
Scott Cousins Decker Mujcin Caleb Lepitre
Rhett Platt Dawson Madden Tristan Gravenor
Kyan Grouette Adam Belzil Breck Hirrschoff
Koy Funk
Jonah Lemoine
Defence
Grant Dardis Owen Witt
Wyatt Dreger Parker Scherr
Sully Ross Daine Dellezay
Jonny Ballos
Jonah Marshall
Goalies
Mitchell Kathler
Ryan Velan
*The players stroked out are not returning
Graduation
The Terriers had seven 20-year-old players who are graduating from junior hockey: Cam Bullinger, Nolan Nenow, Decker Mujcin, Scott Cousins, Grand Dardis, Parker Scherr, Sully Ross.
Trades
Jonah Marshall – The Portage Terriers have traded D Jonah Marshall (06) to the Winnipeg Monarchs for a player development fee.
Moving On
Caleb Lepitre – Idaho Falls Spud Kings (NCDC)
Tristan Gravenor – Cowichan Valley Capitals (BCHL)
Kyan Grouette – Not playing hockey
Jonny Ballos – Junior B
Mitchell Kathler – Cowichan Valley Capitals (BCHL)
Koy Funk – Calgary Hitmen (WHL)
2025-26 Outlook
The Terriers will have some changes on the bench this season. Paul Harland has moved from associate coach to assistant GM, and Robby Moar will be taking his spot on the bench as an assistant coach. Harland had been on the bench since joining the team in the 2006-07 season. Head coach and GM Blake Spiller remains at the helm after renewing his contract with the team for three more years. Assistant coach Brock Trotter and goalie coach Jason Kasdorf both return for a second season.
With ten returning players, over half of the team this year will be new to the club. The coaching staff is hopeful for the year ahead. “We have lots of new faces and our staff have been impressed with how they have performed to this point,” says Spiller. “We still have some difficult decisions to make at all positions.”
The Terriers have been a consistent playoff team since Spiller took over as head coach in 2006. He says the goal hasn’t changed. “Our expectations are the same every year. Get off to a good start and continue to improve throughout the season.”
Players to watch
Owen Witt – (5’9”, 165, D, 05) The longest active serving Terrier, Witt was named captain to start the season. “He’s very competitive and will lead this team by his example,” says Spiller. Through two season he has 38 points in 87 games.
Adam Belzil – (6’1”, 179, F, 05) Brought in at the start of last season from the Northern Manitoba Blizzard, Belzil plays a reliable 2-way game and put up 22 points in 50 games. He has been given another level of leadership this season getting named one of the assistant captains.
Jonah Lemoine – (5,9”, 154, F, 08) From Brandon, MB, Lemoine made his Terrier debut last season in the playoffs as a 16-year-old affiliated player. He had two points in seven post season games. This year, after getting into preseason action with the Prince Albert Raiders (WHL), he starts the season with the Terriers.