Neepawa celebrates the shoot out win and picks up 2 important points as they fight for the last playoff spot.
The Terriers got off to a great start in Neepawa last night leading the Natives by 2 in the first with goals from Jeremey Leipsic, but the Natives who are fighting for their playoff lives turned things up.
Leipsic scored early on a breakaway with a nice pass from Spencer Kuhlman that he made no mistake in burying on Guttenberg 5 hole. At 14:42 Leipsic picked up a rebound and with the goalie out of position, made the most of it scoring his second on a wrap around for a 2-0 Portage lead. Before the period ended, former Terrier Josh Sielsky tucked home a shot short side on Chapman cutting the lead in half before the end of the first.
Over halfway through the second Brendan Kochanski tipped a pass from Jared Roy that found the back of the net and restored the 2 goal Portage lead, it wasn’t for long though as Neepawa came back scoring 3 – Schultze x 2, Metcalf, before the period expired and led for the first time in the game. Aiken replaced Chapman in net after the tying goal.
Natives’ Captain Buchanan added to Neepawa’s lead early in the third and the fans were loud. Fighting to get back in the game Toder and Barnstable contributed goals to tie the game at 5, where it would stay through regulation and 3 on 3 overtime.
It would take 9 rounds in the shoot out to decide the winner with Neepawa coming out on top and Chwaliboga playing hero.
The Terriers welcome the Natives to Stride Place tonight for the last game of the home and home. They will be looking to avenge last night’s loss. Puck drop 7:30pm.