The Portage Terriers came from behind to beat the Winkler Flyers on Friday night, 3-2 in a shootout. Nathan Lenoski played the hero scoring the game tying goal with time winding down and then the winner in the shootout.
Portage started the game strong and opened the scoring midway through the first. Gabriel Laflamme tipped a point shot from Ashton Fishley that trickled past Winkler goalie Liam Ernst. The Terriers then took three straight penalties and killed them off successfully. 1-0 Portage after 1.
Winkler started to take over the game in the second period. Mike Svenson took a point shot on the power play that went through the diving defenceman and through the legs of Jayden Catellier. The Flyers continued to pour on the pressure and took the lead less than a minute later. The MJHL’s leading scorer Dalton Andrew sniped a shot past the glove of Catellier. The game continued to be physical and Adler Johnston dropped the gloves with Isaiah Peters after a knee on knee hit. 2-1 Flyers after 2.
The Terriers have struggled late in games this season, but things were different on this night. Portage out shot the Flyers 14-1 in the third period, and with the goalie pulled, Nathan Lenoski fired a shot past Ernst from a sharp angle.
Overtime wasn’t able to solve anything with both teams getting some quality chances. In the shootout Catellier made three straight stops for Portage and Lenoski was able to score on the second Terrier shot for the win.
The Terriers are now five points behind the Flyers for second in the standings. If the playoffs were to start today, they would meet in the first round.
Portage is back on the ice Monday against the Niverville Nighthawks at 4pm. It’s the annual Louis Riel day game with a Metis ceremony before puck drop. Bring your skates; after the game there will be a skate with the Terriers including hot chocolate and Tim Bits. The Terriers will also be giving out hockey cards and signing autographs in the lobby.