After finding themselves down early, Portage has a strong third period for a 6-3 final over the visiting Natives.
Neepawa’s Tom Sweeney finished off the wrap around on Ethan Peterson for a 1-0 Neepawa lead just 48 seconds into the first period. Ocean Wiesblatt levelled the game at one with a point shot through traffic less than 5 minutes later.
Neepawa regained the lead, Marshall scoring just as a Natives’ penalty expired giving them the edge heading into the 2nd.
Ty Barnstable tied the game at two 2:36 into the 2nd with his 20th of the season. Howard notched his first of the game to give the Terriers their first.
With 2:34 to go in the frame Portage missed an opportunity to get the puck out on the penalty kill and Neepawa capitalized going bar down short side on Peterson. Van Deynze answered less than a minute later cleaning up with a garbage goal in front of Kolby Thornton.
After a tight forty minutes of play, Portage scored 2 in the third to put the game away. Howard with his 2nd of the game and Owen Murray the other.
Peterson recorded the win making 12 saves on 15 shots, the Terriers powerplay was 0/3.
Portage is on the road this weekend, OCN Friday and Swan Valley on Saturday.