Portage Terriers

The Portage Terriers let a late third period lead slip away on Friday night, losing 4-3 in overtime to the Dauphin Kings.

The team has struggled in first periods so far in this young season and have yet to score the first goal of a game. Friday night was no different, as Myles Yearwood found the back of the net 1:26 into the match.

“We need to start the game earlier,” said Terrier defenceman Brett Magarrell. “We need to keep our feet moving and play as a team and the rest will come.”

With the 2023 Centennial Cup in the rearview mirror, the Portage Terriers are looking forward to what should be another great regular season. 

The Terriers started 2022-23 with the singular focus of competing for the Centennial Cup, which Portage hosted from May 11-21. It was a roster carousel with 43 different players suiting up for at least one game.

The Portage Terriers held their annual training camp this weekend at Stride Place.  

Friday afternoon saw the rookies check in and get in a couple of practice sessions led by assistant coach Robby Moar. They were split into three teams on Saturday morning and competed in scrimmages against each other. Some local players born in 2008 who aren’t eligible yet to make the team impressed in their debut.

“Ethan Breakey impressed with his ability and hockey sense,” says head scout Angus Moar. “He made hockey plays both with and without the puck.”

The Portage Terriers have acquired F Decker Mujcin (04) from the Grande Prairie Storm (AJHL) for future considerations.

Mujcin (5’9, 179) started his junior career last season with the Spruce Grove Saints before being moved to Grand Prairie after five games. He finished the season with 9 points in 48 games.

“Decker is a hard-working player who will bring a physical presence and depth to our offence,” says Terrier head coach and GM Blake Spiller.

The Portage Terriers have announced that their captain Kian Calder has won the Joe Sponarski Playoff MVP award.

The 20-year-old played big minutes throughout the postseason. His eight points in 12 games had him tied for third among defencemen in the MJHL. He also led Terrier defencemen during the Centennial Cup with six points in six games (2G,2A).

“Kian definitely matured and improved as a player in the past couple of seasons,” says Terrier head coach and GM Blake Spiller. “He did an excellent job as captain both at the rink and in the community.”

The Virden Oil Capitals have forced a game seven. The Portage Terriers couldn’t get their offense going on Sunday night as they lost 7-1 in Virden. It was the most lopsided loss the Terriers have suffered this season. 

The game was tight in the first period with both teams staying out of the box. Virden opened the scoring midway through the period. Colton Miller tipped a shot perfectly over the shoulder of Terrier goalie Jayden Catellier. Shots were 11-11 after 1. 

The Portage Terriers bounced back from an early goal against last night to beat the Niverville Nighthawks 3-1. The Terriers have a 3-1 series lead and have a chance to advance to the second round on Friday night. 

The Portage Terriers finished strong Saturday night to pick up a 5-2 victory over the Niverville Nighthawks. They now have a 2-0 series lead heading back to Portage for game 3 on Tuesday night. 

The Terriers started the first period strong getting some early chances on former Terrier Chris Fines. Both teams had a power play but neither could score. Most of the Terriers' shots were coming from the outside. 0-0 after 1. 

The Portage Terriers closed out the regular season on the road Friday night with a 3-2 win over the Steinbach Pistons. 

Portage came out of the gate strong in the first period. Five minutes into the game Noah Wagner tipped Matt McLeod’s point shot past a sliding Cole Plowman to open the scoring. The Terriers kept up the pressure. Brandon McCartney was sprung open and he beat Plowman low glove side as he drove to the net. Portage took a few penalties to close out the period but they were able to kill them off. 2-0 Portage after 1. 

The Portage Terriers couldn’t hang on to a lead Saturday night as they fell 4-3 in a shoutout to the Dauphin Kings. The Kings sweep the season series with the Terriers 4-0. They are the only team the Terriers haven’t beaten this year.