The Portage Terriers started the weekend by picking up their second win in a row on Friday night, beating the Winnipeg Freeze 6-2. It was the first time this season that they have won back-to-back games. Unfortunately for the team, they couldn't make it three in a row Saturday as they dropped at 3-2 decision on the road in Niverville. This game was decided by a shootout.
Friday, the team looked dominant from start to finish, but the chances weren’t going in early in the game. Decker Mucjin opened the scoring with his first of the season, snapping home a pass from Brenden Holba off the rush. “It feels good to finally get the monkey off the back and get a few points in a good win,” says Mucjin.
Later in the game, Nick Guberman scored his first as a Terrier as well and would finish the game with two. Guberman was acquired by Portage in a trade last week from the Virden Oil Capitals and he says he’s happy to be here. “It feels awesome. Couldn’t have asked for a better debut. Every day has been better as I get more comfortable with the guys. It’s a great program here.”
The Terriers outshot the Freeze 36-11. Gavin Renwick picked up his third win as a Terrier, stopping 13 shots.
Saturday, the game was much closer, and special teams were key. Niverville held a 2-0 lead after 40 minutes thanks to a power play and shorthanded goal. But Portage stormed back in the third to tie things up before the end of the match. Daniel Siso scored his first of the season just after the seven-minute mark and then Cam Bullringer completed the comeback by notching his third with just over three minutes to play. Neither team could score in overtime so a shootout would end the affair. The Nighthawks would put in 2 of their 3 attempts while netminder Raiden Legall would turn aside all three Terrier shooters. The Nighthawks outshot the Terriers 34-28 and Jayden Catellier was sharp in goal. The Dogs went 0-5 with the man advantage while giving up a short-handed marker while the penalty kill was 2 for 3.
With 3 of a possible 4 points, the Terriers now hold a 5-3-3 record, good for 13 points and 4th spot in the East Division. All teams in the league are now off to Winnipeg for the annual showcase event which will happen at the Seven Oaks Sports Complex. Each team will play two games over the next three days starting this afternoon. The Terriers meet Virden tomorrow and Virden on Wednesday with both games at 5:00 p.m.. You can listen to both games live through Portageonline right here.
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