Adversity abounded in the Portage Terriers’ Sunday afternoon matchup, but the team rebounded and escaped with a 5-4 shootout victory.
The Dogs were the better team for most of the first period, but were unable to solve Blizzard goaltender Keagin Kelln, who made 21 saves. The Blizzard were able to capitalize on their chances, which saw them take a 3-0 lead into the first intermission.
The Terriers added another 23 shots in the second period, totaling 44 after 40 minutes, but only beat the netminder once, as Trevor Hill was credited with his 34th of the season on the powerplay. 3-1 Norman after 40 minutes.
Hill says the team really showed their resilience in the game.
“It showed the character of the team. Obviously, we don’t want to be down at that spot, but it shows a lot of heart, coming back.”
Hill, Declan Siwicki and Dexter Materi added goals in the third and Portage took their first lead of the game. Kasen Harrold would tie it again to send the game to overtime, tied at 4.
Drayden Uhrina and Hill each added a goal in the shootout, after overtime solved nothing, and Donovan Bodnar was unbeaten to nab the come-from-behind victory.
Dylan Karran was named the Klean King Hardest Working Player, and adds that the teams’ collective eyes are only on playoff time now.
“Every game is just important. We come to the rink knowing that we’re in the stretch for playoffs, and that’s what we’re chatting about in the room. So, everyone knows what we’ve got to do.”
The teams get right back to action tomorrow afternoon, with another matinee matchup against the Blizzard at 3:30 p.m.
