The bounces didn’t go the Portage Terriers’ way on Friday night as they fell 3-1 to the Dauphin Kings at Stride Place. The Kings got great goaltending from Cole Sheffield to take away home ice advantage from the Terriers. The best of seven MJHL semi final now shifts back to Dauphin for game two on Sunday night.
The Terriers came out strong in the first period outshooting the Kings 15-7. Late in the frame Cam Bullinger raced up the ice and his shot was tipped by Caleb Lepitre past Sheffield as time expired. After a brief discussion among the referees, they would determine that the goal would stand. 1-0 Portage after 1.
Early in the second period the Dauphin Kings got on the board and tied the game. A power play point shot was blocked in front of the net and Madden Murray cleaned up the rebound. The Kings then scored again shortly after with a tipped point shot to make it 2-1. Despite more chances from the Terriers, Sheffield locked down the net.
Another tipped shot by Gabriel Bugeaud of the Kings early in the third period gave them a two goal lead. That’s all that they would need as they shut out the Terriers for the remainder of the period.
The Terriers weren’t without chances on the night, outshooting Dauphin 47-27. Special teams couldn’t get the job done for Portage as they went 1/7 on the power play.
Game two will be in Dauphin on Sunday night at 7pm. The next Terrier home game will be Tuesday, April 8, at 7:30pm.
