It was a successful trip to Winnipeg last night as the Portage Terriers defeated the Winnipeg Blues 7-4. It was the Dogs 4th win in a row and gives them a 14-2 record, which is tops in the MJHL.
Hayden Chaloner scored the first two goals of the game in the first 4 minutes but the Blues would tie it up by scoring two of their own over the next 8. Terriers head coach and GM Blake Spiller said after they opened up the scoring, the team played he referred to as river hockey.
"I think we've been playing better defensively, but not tonight. We didn't do some of the things we need to do in our own zone and the neutral zone. We made some nice plays and got some nice goals but not everyone was going. We had enough going but some players are going to have to pick it. There is one month to go until the December 1st cut-down date and we have some work to do"
Austin McLean finished the night with a hat trick including the game-winning goal late in the second frame. Daniel Siso had a pair of helpers and continues to lead the team with 21 points. It was also a two-point night for Tyler Dodgson, Brandon Funk, Noah Wagner, Matt Wisener, Hayden Lacquette, and Chaloner.
Bailey Monteith got the win in goal and the netminder is now 7-1 on the season. The Terriers outshot the Blues 55-25 while going 1 for 3 on the powerplay. The Blues scored on one of their two power-play chances.
The Terriers and Blues will meet again Friday night, but this time in Portage. The Dogs then face the other top team in the league so far, Steinbach on Sunday night. That game will also be at Stride Place.