The Portage Terriers opened the 2021-22 preseason with a 4-3 come from behind win over the visiting Virden Oil Capitals. Returning defenceman Tyler Dodgson played the hero scoring the game winning goal with 18 seconds left in overtime.
The night didn’t start well for the Terriers as Virden hopped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first six minutes. Jayden Catellier settled down in net for Portage and stopped 11 of 13 shots that he faced. As is the custom in the preseason, Catellier was pulled for Owen Savoie halfway through the second period. Savoie finished the night with nine saves.
Virden increased their lead to three late in the second period. Portage showed some life when Austin McLean found the back of the net with 12 seconds to go in the frame. Ethan Tinevez and Thomas Kaufield picked up the assists.
Portage looked like a different team in the third period and started to gel as a unit. Brandon Funk scored early from McLean and Kayden Sutherland, and then 25 seconds later Bennett Anklewich tied the game for Portage with Cole Younger and Riley Borody picking up the assists.
The Terriers continued to play well heading into overtime. With less than a minute to go Dodgson raced up the ice and snapped home a low shot past Cody Creasy for the win.
The Terriers now get ready for their final preseason game on Friday night against the Neepawa Titans. Puck drop is at 7:30 pm at Stride Place.
Portage opens the regular season in Winkler Sept. 18, and then hosts the Flyers Sept. 19 for the home opener. For season tickets, please visit: https://www.portageterriers.com/201718-season-ticket-prices Or the Terrier box office at Stride Place.
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