The Portage Terriers Season came to an end on Sunday as they faced off against the Brooks Bandits for a spot in the RBC in Lloydminster and came up short.
Both teams came out of the gate strong, but it was Brooks that scored first as McKechney would score on the powerplay in the first period at 18:56. Shots on goal after 20 minutes 13-4 Bandits.
Brooks led by two after Malott beat Park on a pass out front after a turnover behind the net at 12:23 of the second. Braydon MacDonald would draw the Terriers within one as Haisken throws a hard shot up the middle and MacDonald buried on Hughson with a beautiful tip. The second would end with the Bandits up 2-1 after .out shooting the Terriers 27-12.
With 20 minutes left to earn their way back to the RBC the Terriers stepped it up in the third. Portage found themselves on the powerplay as Welykholowa for Brooks was assessed a 5 minute penalty and game ejection for a brutal hit from behind on Brett Orr.
The dogs were unable to capitalize on the man advantage and Leipsic would receive a minor for hooking for two of the five minutes.
In the end the score remained 2-1 and the Brooks Bandits would win their spot in the National tournament, alongside the West Kelowna Warriors.
“We’re a little bit inexperienced and obviously when you get here you’re playing good clubs. Maybe a little bit of inexperience, maybe the pace. I thought even in the first two games we won we struggled a bit at times.” – Coach Spiller
Nathan Park turned away 32 of 34 shots on the day and received a back to back nod for Player of the game.
The disappointed Terriers took a moment to salute their fans in attendance.