Portage Terriers

Gavin Klaassen went through some of the highest highs and lowest lows that can come at a hockey rink last season in Portage, but now, he will be taking his talents back to the United States for the 2023-24 season.

Klaassen was traded to the OJHL's Buffalo Junior Sabres, with the Portage Terriers receiving future considerations in exchange.

Forward Ryder Johns has committed to play for the Portage Terriers next season. The 19-year-old played his first year of junior hockey last season for the Victoria Cougars in the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League. 

Johns scored ten goals and dished out ten assists over 44 games during his rookie season. He also added two playoff goals and helped the Cougars make it to the semi-finals before they lost in six games. Both of Johns' playoff goals came unassisted, one being short-handed.

The Manitoba Moose's 2022-23 Rookie of the Year will return for another season. 

Portager Dean Stewart was brought back after impressing many in his first full year with the AHL club. The defenceman scored one goal and dished out 17 assists in the 2022-23 campaign and says he's very happy to be back in a comfortable situation.

The Portage Terriers are continuing to make roster moves as they prepare for the 2023-24 season. 

The latest addition to the squad is Prince George, British Columbia product Decker Mujcin, who was acquired from the Grande Prairie Storm (AJHL) for future considerations. The forward says he can't wait to get on the ice at Stride Place.

"I'm super excited. They have a winning culture there and just hosted the Centennial Cup," Mujcin continues. "I knew I was going to the right spot."

As summer nears its end, the Portage Terriers are gearing up for an exciting new hockey season in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. Despite the heat, the team is fully focused on making this season a memorable one. 

Die-hard Terriers fans should act fast to secure their season tickets. Cody Buhler, the Marketing Director, highlighted the perks of early purchase.  

Ty Enns has signed his first professional contract, a one-year deal in the ECHL with the Kansas City Mavericks. 

Enns wrapped up his collegiate career this past season at Adrian College, where he put up 48 points in 30 games. He was in contact with different ECHL teams since January but he didn't make his decision until last month.

After four years of college hockey, Ty Enns is going pro. The former Portage Terriers' forward is joining the ECHL's Kansas City Mavericks for the 2023-24 campaign.

Enns spent his last four seasons in the NCAA Division 3 and was a part of the national championship-winning team this season.

Ty Enns. Matus Spodniak. Cam Gray.

2022 NCAA Champs… 2023 foes.

Brothers for life… Great job men. pic.twitter.com/bKzkN4tyxH

The Portage Terriers have already brought in three new players via trade this offseason. 

Alyandro De Leon will be returning to the squad after being reacquired from the SJHL's Nipawin Hawks. Gavin Renwick and Kalen Reynolds were both picked up in a previous trade with the Neepawa Titans.

Reynolds says he's excited to reunite with Terriers' assistant coach Robby Moar.

The Manitoba Junior Hockey League has unveiled their 2023 preseason schedule. Each team will play four exhibition games ahead of the regular season, with bouts going down from September 3-18. 

While there will be over two weeks of action across the league, the Terriers will play all their games in just a seven-day span.

Portage will open the preseason at home on Tuesday, September 12, against the Virden Oil Capitals. The Terriers will return to the Dog Pound two nights later, on September 14, as they host the Neepawa Titans.

Alyandro De Leon was a member of the Portage Terriers for six games last season and was extremely productive in the green and white. De Leon put up seven points in his six games with Portage before he was traded to the SJHL's Nipawin Hawks.

De Leon and the Terriers will be reuniting next season after Portage acquired him via trade last week.