Portage Terriers

A new season is upon us and the Portage Terriers are looking to redeem themselves from a second-round exit last year.

The 2024-25 season started with a number of familiar faces. The Terriers had four returning defencemen, and five returning forwards. After a back and forth start, the Terriers put together a 9-game winning streak and found themselves near the top of the MGEU East Division for most of the season. For the second year in a row they ended the season in third behind the Steinbach Pistons and Winkler Flyers.

The Portage Terriers are joining the Wiesblatt family in their grief following the tragic passing of that family's second son, Orca. The Wiesblatt family made many friends in Portage over the seasons their sons played for the team.

Terriers President David Koroscil provided a statement on the organization's behalf.

The Portage Terriers wrapped up their preseason with a 6-1 victory over the visiting Neepawa Titans, who they will open the season against next weekend.

Green Bay, WI product Ryker Thomas notched the game's first goal late in the first period. After making a nice play to hold the puck in the zone, he walked in toward the net, and fired a shot into the top corner. 1-0 Portage after 20 minutes.

The second frame would start fast, as Thomas would take a double-minor for high-sticking, and Neepawa would capitalize.

The Portage Terriers annual rookie game saw 9 goals scored, with only one in the Terriers' favour. The Dogs iced a lineup consistening of all rookies, including two players who are 15, against the Oil Capitals who dressed four 20-year-olds.

The first frame saw 22 shots directed on goal, but only four from the Terriers. Virden scored a pair of goals that Portage was unable to respond to in the frame, making it 2-0 Virden after the first period.

The Portage Terriers organization is warming up for another season with events, and a few things remain ongoing before the exhibition season starts.

Cody Buhler, the team's Marketing Director, emphasizes that there are a few changes and extra deals on tickets through a kids club membership.

Ten recipients were announced for the first Brady Grasdal Memorial Scholarship this summer.

The initial list was announced in a Facebook group for a golf tournament honouring Brady, with some familiar faces to Portage among them.

Portage's Tyson Chandler, along with Portage Terriers last season, Ryan Velan and Tristan Gravenor were named on the list.

Brady Grasdal's mother, Amber Grasdal, and his cousin, Melissa Marzolf, discussed the selection process.

After a year away from the Portage Terriers bench, Robby Moar is coming back to assist Blake Spiller with the squad.

Moar outlines why he was absent from the bench this past season.

The annual coaching carousel has seen changes to hockey coaching staffs across North America, and the re-signing of Head Coach and General Manager Blake Spiller has seen some changes behind his bench as well.

Associate Coach Paul Harland is stepping away from the bench to take on the role of Assistant General Manager. He outlines what his key objectives will be in the position.

The MJHL's all-time winningest coach has decided to continue his run with the Portage Terriers, without much deliberation.

Blake Spiller and his staff are now set for Blake's twentieth season as the team's bench boss and General Manager, and twenty-fifth season total.

Spiller says it's nice to have the deal done and that he has high hopes for the team's return this fall.

The 2025-26 MJHL regular season schedule is out, and the Portage Terriers will be wasting no time getting into rivalry mode.

The Dogs open the campaign on the road in Neepawa on Saturday, September 20, 2025, facing off against the Titans. The two teams will then head to Stride Place for Portage’s home opener the very next night, Sunday, September 21, with puck drop set for 6:30 p.m.

This year, the Manitoba Junior Hockey League will once again be organized into two divisions: the MGEU West and the MGEU East.