The Portage Terriers picked up a 4-2 win on home ice Friday night against the Swan Valley Stampeders. Mason Smith had some big hits and big goals for Portage and picked up the first star of the game.
Terrier goalie Jayden Catellier set the tone in the first minute making a huge save as the Stampeders crashed the net. Portage would then start to get some pressure of their own and capitalized with the man advantage. On a 5 on 3, a quick tic tac toe passing play hit Mason Smith at the side of the net and he tapped home his 6th goal of the season into the empty cage. Portage led 1-0 after 1.
In the second period the Terriers took a penalty midway through, but they would be the ones to take advantage. Matt Wisener raced up the ice short handed and had his shot tipped off the Stampeder defenceman past the glove of goalie Kobe Grant. 2-0 Portage.
The Stampeders responded a few minutes later when a sharp angle backhand shot from Noah Fladager squeaked past Catellier. Swan Valley came close to tying the game late in the period, but their shot rang off the post. The Terriers went the other way and regained their two-goal lead in the last minute. Smith used his speed to get a breakaway and he snapped a shot between the legs of Grant. 3-0 Portage.
Swan Valley increased their pressure in the third period in an attempt to tie the game. On the power play they were able to get a point shot underneath Catellier to draw within a goal. Portage was able to hang on the rest of the way and Logan Calder picked up the empty net goal to seal the win.
Portage finished the night 1 for 4 on the power play and were outshot 29-27. Portage now gets ready to host Swan Valley again Saturday night in their final game before the Christmas break.
For the complete box score CLICK HERE.
