The Portage Terriers picked up their fifth win of the season on Wednesday night, beating the Niverville Nighthawks 3-1 on home ice.
Hometown boy Koy Funk opened the scoring for Portage 2:45 into the first period. A turnover in the Niverville end sprung him on a breakaway and he snuck a shot five-hole on Niverville netminder Raiden Legall. Penalty trouble hurt the Terriers early as Aiden Corbett tipped a shot past Mitchell Kathler to tie the game at one. Kathler was the best player on the ice in the first period, making huge save after save to keep the game tied heading into the intermission. Portage was outshot 15-6.
Portage seemed to bounce back in the second period and get some chances of their own. Terrier defenceman Jonny Ballos had a point shot get through traffic for his first goal of the season.
“It felt great! I was in a bit of a slump, so it was nice to get some points on the board,” says Ballos.
Off the ensuing faceoff Adler Johnston picked up the puck, came into the zone and fired home a shot underneath Legall to make it 3-0 Portage. The goals were only nine seconds apart. 3-1 Portage after 2.
Playing with a two goal lead in the third period, things seemed to click for the Terriers. They kept the pressure up and didn’t allow the Nighthawks a window of opportunity to come back. Portage hung on for the 3-1 victory. The Terriers finished 6/7 on the penalty kill and 0/3 on the power play.
“It felt good. We’ve had some good games to build upon. It was good to get the victory,” says forward Cam Bullinger. “Win a couple games, and it helps the team a lot. It feels good.”
The victory puts the Terriers back at the .500 mark with a 5-5 record, the same record Niverville now sports. The two teams are also now tied for fourth spot in the leagues East division.
The Terriers are back in action on Saturday night against the Steinbach Pistons at Stride Place.
“I think we came tonight with a lot of energy and jam. If we do the same thing with Steinbach it will be a good time,” says Ballos. Puck drop is at 7:30 pm.