The 2021/22 MJHL season was the first full season for the Terriers coming out of the COVID cancellations, but it was far from “normal”. Vaccine and mask mandates were in place for most of the year and attendance was restricted to 250 fans for a series of games in January. The Terriers also missed the playoffs for the first time since 1986.
The year started slowly for Portage who struggled to find wins. After the MJHL showcase in November, the team started to click. The Terriers made up some ground in the East Division and fought their way into the playoff conversation. They ultimately would fall short by a single point with a record of 23-24-5-2.
Matthew Wisener used his blazing speed to lead the team in scoring with 43 points. Jayden Catellier held down the fort in goal and finished with a record of 17-14, 3.05GAA, .902 SV% and 2 shutouts.
Final 2021-22 Roster
Left Wing Centre Right Wing
Ryan Botterill Austin McLean Daniel Siso
Slade Stanick Matt Wisener Austin Peters
Nathan Flodell Brandon Funk Daniel Tokariwski
Jaden Pashe Nate Hinds Brady Grasdal
Left Defence Right Defence Goalies
Brandon McCartney Tyler Dodgson Jayden Catellier
Daron Cyr Hayden Lacquette Chris Fines
Ashton Fishley Darien Schaan
Out of the Lineup
Mason SmithRiley BorodyAiden SotasThomas Kaufield
Brenden Holba
*The players stroked out are not returning
Graduation
The Terriers were a young rebuilding group with Jaden Pashe being the only 20-year-old graduating player.
Trades
Thomas Kaufield - The Portage Terriers have traded F Thomas Kaufield (03) to Winnipeg Blues for MJHL list rights of D Evan Toth (02).
Mason Smith - The Portage Terriers have traded F Mason Smith (02) to the Dauphin Kings for Future Considerations.
Riley Borody – The Portage Terriers have traded F Riley Borody (03) to the Dauphin Kings for the CJHL rights to F Cade Hayes (02).
Chris Fines - The Portage Terriers have traded goalie Chris Fines (02) to the Niverville Nighthawks for future considerations
Brady Grasdal - The Portage Terriers have traded 02 Brady Grasdal D to the Nipawin Hawks (SJHL) for 03 Ranon Joseph D and future considerations.
Daniel Tokariwski - The Portage Terriers have acquired G Bailey Monteith (02) and the CJHL rights to F Calder Anderson (02) from the Virden Oil Capitals for the MJHL list rights to F Daniel Tokariwski (05) and Future Considerations
Moving on
Darien Schaan - TBD
Nathan Flodell - TBD
Daron Cyr – Decided to attend college close to home and play for the Morinville Jets (Junior B)
Aiden Sotas – Currently with the Portland Winterhawks (WHL)
Nate Hinds – St. Boniface Riels (MMJHL)
2022-23 Outlook
The Terriers enter the season with the Centennial Cup firmly in their sights. After finishing outside of the playoff picture last season, the Dogs know that they need to be better and expect a lot of growth to happen internally.
“We have 13 returning players and we need them all to take a big step forward this season,” says Terrier head coach and GM Blake Spiller. “We aren’t looking for a revolving door but have until January 10th to sort out our lineup.”
Portage has the rights to a handful of players who are currently on WHL rosters including Calder Anderson, Cade Hayes, Hayden Chaloner, and Aiden Sotas. It would be an instant boost to the lineup to have some of these players join the squad.
The Terriers were middle of the pack last season when it came to goals against, and it appears the defence has gotten even stronger. The offence however was near the bottom of the league and will need to improve if they expect to have success.
New Players to Watch
Kian Calder – (02, 5’11, 207) The Portage product started last season with the Terriers before being dealt to the Estevan Bruins. “With his SJHL championship and Centennial Cup experience, we expect Kian's game to be at a higher level,” says Terrier Head Coach and GM Blake Spiller. “We will count on him to bring leadership, offense and physical play.”
Sequoia Swan – (02, 5’10, 185) The physical winger started his career in OCN where he had 398 PIM in 113 games. He split last season between his hometown Winnipeg Ice (WHL) and Winnipeg Freeze. Swan’s MJHL rights for this season were acquired in a trade that sent Naaman Hofer to the Freeze at the start of last season. “He will also be counted on to provide leadership, physical play and chip in offensively.”
Jordan Murray – (06, 5’10, 154) Jordan is the younger brother of Terrier Alumni and current UMass (NCAA Div I) defenceman Owen Murray. Jordan is also an excellent skater and like his brother has cracked the Terrier lineup at the age of 16. “Our #1 draft pick in 2022. Our scouting staff projected his skating ability and skill would allow him to be ready as a 16-year-old. Jordan has shown every indication he is capable and we look forward to continuing to watch him develop.”