The Portage Terriers shook off a sluggish start and rallied to claim a 3-1 victory over the Winnipeg Blues on Wednesday night at Stride Place, led by an electric two-goal performance from forward Cam Bullinger.
The opening period was punctuated by penalties, with five minors called, four against Winnipeg alone. Despite the Terriers dominating possession and outshooting the Blues 14-4, it was Winnipeg who struck first, with Nikolas Iafrate finding the back of the net, snapping a shot past Terriers goalie Ryan Velan.
Unfazed by the early deficit, Portage regrouped quickly, and Bullinger capitalized on a power-play opportunity with a nice backhand tip, leveling the game at one apiece. The Terriers’ relentless attack continued to pressure the Blues, though the penalties disrupted their rhythm.
As both teams settled into more consistent five-on-five play in the second period, chances evened out, though the Blues struggled to generate serious threats. Velan was unshakable in goal, blocking every attempt the Blues managed to get through.
Midway through the third period, Bullinger broke the deadlock in spectacular fashion, firing a perfect shot that clanged off the crossbar and in. The goal, Bullinger's ninth of the season, put him at the top of the Manitoba Junior Hockey League with 24 points. With Winnipeg unable to mount a comeback, Rhett Perrin notched his first of the season on an empty-netter to seal the Terriers’ win. The Terriers outshot the Blues 39-18 and Velan is now 3-0 for the year in goal.
The Terriers now shift their focus to Friday night’s home clash with the Virden Oil Capitals, with puck drop scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Winkler pays a visit to Stride Place on Sunday.
