The Portage Terriers fell 3-2 in overtime Tuesday night on the road against the Waywayseecappo Wolverines. A slow start hurt the Dogs as they found themselves playing from behind in a tight game.
The Terriers got an early power play but couldn’t capitalize. The Wolverines used that momentum and Sean Williams beat Bailey Monteith low to open the scoring. Portage took a couple of penalties in the back half of the period but were able to kill them off. After the first frame, the Wolverines had the one-goal lead.
Portage came out stronger in the second period and Bryden Kiesman tied the game. He fired a point shot just inside the post on the power play through a screen. Goals started to come for both teams. The tie was short-lived as Jack Clarke put the Wolverines back in front minutes later. Terrier forward Ryan Botterill then dug the puck out from the corner and hit Brenden Holba in front of the net for his third goal of the season. After 40 minutes, the game was tied at 2.
Portage started the night with 11 forwards, one player fewer than normal due to injuries, and then lost defenceman Tyler Dodgson with a lower-body injury late in the second. Despite being down two players the Terriers kept it close in the third period. Brenden Holba took a 5-minute major penalty for boarding midway through the third and was ejected from the game. Portage’s penalty kill looked strong not allowing the Wolverines many opportunities to set up. Monteith made some big saves at the end of the period to send it to overtime.
In the extra frame, Portage started with a few shots before Carson Baptiste ended the game. Off the rush, he was able to push it through the Terrier defenceman and under the pad of Monteith.
Portage finished the night 1/3 on the power play and were outshot 29-25. The Terriers now get ready off the ice for the first MJHL cutdown day on Thursday. Portage is back on the ice against the OCN Blizzard Saturday and Sunday nights at Stride Place.