The Portage Terriers picked up a 4-2 win on Saturday night over the Niverville Nighthawks. It was the first time the Terriers visited the newest MJHL franchise and the first time Portage came out on top. The win followed an impressive 7-2 thumping of Waywayseecapo on home ice the night before. The two wins came against the only two teams that had beaten the Terriers this season so far.
Saturday, the Dogs opened the game with a bang scoring in the first two minutes. Kian Calder had a seeing-eye point shot find it’s way through traffic. As the period developed, both teams got a few chances with the man advantage but neither could capitalize. 1-0 Portage after 1.
Early in the second period Daniel Siso went to the box for cross-checking and the Nighthawks made him pay. Brett Tataryn snapped home a shot off the rush from the top of the right circle on the power play. Less than two minutes later Portage responded. Hayden Chaloner outwaited a defenceman and hit Kaden Kohle in front of the net with a perfect pass. He made no mistake for his fifth goal of the season.
Two minutes later Calder was kicked out of the game for checking from behind. Niverville couldn’t get anything going on the power play. They then got into some penalty trouble of their own and Portage scored on a 5 on 3. Ryan Botterill snapped a shot past Ethan Kadatz from the high slot. 3-1 Terriers after two.
Niverville started the third period strong but Catellier shut the door and made some great saves. After some penalty trouble, Niverville drew within one when a point shot was tipped past Catellier. The Nighthawks made a late period push to tie the game, but Slade Stanick put the puck into the empty net to seal the victory.
The Dogs finished the night 1/6 on the power play and outshot the Nighthawks 30-26. Portage is back in action Tuesday in Winnipeg against the Blues.