The Portage Terriers and Winnipeg Freeze battled it out in a tighter game than most were expecting, with Portage coming out on top 2-1 in overtime. The Terriers came into the game winners of four straight, while the Freeze have only won one game this season.
A quiet first period saw just one entry found the scoresheet. Jacob Michelson would take a cross-checking penalty with 38 seconds remaining in the frame, which the Freeze would not get an opportunity to set up, thanks to a couple nifty clears from Owen Witt.
A parade to the penalty box ensued in the second period, with the two teams combining for 14 penalty minutes, most of them against the Terriers. However, Portage would score the opener, as William McKay tallied his first as a Dog. McKay received a drop-pass from Rhett Perrin just across the blue line, and wired a shot home just out of reach from the Freeze netminder. The goal, scored with 2:08 left in the period, would be the only one of the frame.
McKay says it was nice to get his first on home ice.
"It felt really great, especially to get it at home too, with all the support."
A bad Terrier pass in their own zone with under ten minutes to go in the game gave Winnipeg a chance to score. Jayden Ward knotted the game up at 1. A late penalty gave Portage an opportunity to win in regulation, but they couldn't find the back of the net, despite having some outstanding chances.
Overtime saw good chances both ways, with both netminders making even better saves. But Adam Belzil would play hero, putting a shot perfectly in the top corner to send Portage fans home happy, with a 2-1 victory.
Belzil notes what happened on the goal.
"I felt good. I was a little tired, just tried to pick a corner, just shoot it from the outside dot and it just went in. So, I was happy for me and the boys to get the greasy win."
The Terriers next game will see the Winnipeg Blues come to town for a weeknight game, Wednesday, October 30 at 7:30 p.m.