The Portage Terriers added depth at the 2025 MJHL deadline with their sights set on a run in the playoffs. Two 19-year-old forwards and a 20-year-old defenceman were added to the club from the Virden Oil Capitals and Winkler Flyers.
“Overall, as always there is a lot of discussion at the trade deadline with teams trying to bolster their roster going into the second half of the season,” says Terrier head coach and GM Blake Spiller. “Unfortunately, we had to move out 2 quality people. However, we feel we also added experience and grit to our team which we expect will help us moving forward to get to a playoff spot in an extremely tight division.”
The Terriers have acquired D Sully Ross (04) from the Winkler Flyers for F Jacob Michelson (05).
Michelson was acquired at the start of the season from the Nipawin Hawks (SJHL) and played well for the Terriers. The Moose Jaw, SK product put up 16 points in 30 games and played up and down the lineup.
Ross (6’0, 182, L) won a Turnbull Cup last season with the Winkler Flyers, but only played 8 games in the regular season due to injury. This year he has four points and 48 penalty minutes in 21 games.
“He’s a player we have had our eye on for a few years,” says Spiller. “He’s a very competitive, physical D that will bring experience. He will be an important addition to our defensive core”.
The Terriers then sent F Adler Johnston (04) and a player development fee to the Virden Oil Capitals for F Rhett Platt (05) and F Kyan Grouette (05).
Johnston came to the Terriers at the trade deadline last season from the Austin Bruins (NAHL). He was very well respected by our staff and his teammates as well as the people he was associated with in the community. Johnston closed out last season with 11 points in 22 games and four points in the playoffs against Winkler. This year he has exactly the same total of goals (6) and assists (5) that he did last year, but in 34 games.
Platt (6’2, 190, L) is a big forward from Regina, who has eight points and 78 penalty minutes in 25 games this season. “He’s an intelligent player who will bring energy and a physical presence along with the ability to make plays offensively,” says Spiller.
Grouette (5’10, 175, R) played last season with his hometown Dauphin Kings after coming back from the Everett Silvertips (WHL). “He is a hard working quick forward with WHL experience who will be able to play in key situations,” says Spiller. This year with Virden, the veteran centre has five points in 26 games.