The 2021/22 MJHL season has come to a close for the Portage Terriers who have missed the playoffs for the first time since 1986. There was tremendous growth for the team who spent much of the year building towards the 2023 Centennial Cup which will be hosted in Portage.
The Dogs were one of the youngest teams in the league with 16 rookies and only one 20-year-old graduating player (Jaden Pashe).
The season started with thud as the Terriers lost their first three games and over the first month went an uninspiring 2-12. Players were traded away and acquired as the season progressed.
By the time the MJHL showcase arrived in late November, Portage was well out of a playoff spot. Something seemed to click for the Terriers, who, from the showcase until the Christmas break, went 8-2-1.
After Christmas the Terriers traded away 20-year-old captain Logan Calder to the Dauphin Kings for Slade Stanick and Hayden Lacquette. Both of the incoming players were born in 2003 and have two more years of junior eligibility. The Terriers made things interesting down the stretch fighting their way into the playoff conversation. They ultimately would fall short by a single point.
Despite COVID and weather challenges the Terriers were able to play all 54 games. Matthew Wisener lead the team in scoring with 43 points. Jayden Catellier had the bulk of the work in net and finished with a record of 17-14, 3.05GAA, .902 SV% and 2 shutouts.
Off the ice the Terriers were once again excited to participate in community events. The guys played street hockey with kids in the community, cleaned up around town, read to hundreds of kids for “I love to read month”, helped at golf tournaments, set up a tipi, and donated time and energy to many other projects.
The Portage Terriers would like to thank staff, volunteers, players and fans for another great season. We can’t wait for next year!