The Portage Terriers gave up an early two goal lead Saturday night and lost 3-2 in overtime to the host Selkirk Steelers. It’s Portage’s fifth loss in a row and seventh in 2022.
Despite the lopsided shot totals of 13-5 for Selkirk in the first period the Terriers were the ones who came out ahead. Tyler Dodgson opened the scoring for Portage midway through the period. An offensive zone draw was won back to him on the power play by Austin McLean and he put his point shot through traffic and past goaltender Hunter Tarves.
Portage added another just over a minute later. Austin Peters chipped a puck up the ice to Brandon Funk. Peters raced up the ice and finished off a nice pass from Funk in front of the net.
Momentum swung towards the Steelers in the second period. They got on the board early when Lucas Brennan cleaned up a rebound in front of the net on the power play. Three minutes later Matthew Gerke was sprung all alone on a breakaway and beat Jayden Catellier with a nice move to his forehand. Portage had some good chances on the power play but were unable to capitalize.
Things started to get physical as the period moved along with Brandon Funk getting a game misconduct for a hit from behind, and Brendan Holba and Kaden Stewart dropping the gloves. In total 94 penalty minutes were handed out in the period. Selkirk got some chances on a late penalty to Brady Grasdal but Catellier was able to shut the door.
In the middle of the third period Portage was able to get some quality chances on back-to-back power play opportunities but were unable to find the back of the net. The Terriers out shot Selkirk 12-8. The game eventually went to overtime where Selkirk struck early. Mathieu Catellier worked the puck out from the Terrier corner and put it up high past the Terrier netminder.
With the overtime win Selkirk gains another point on Portage in the standings and is seven ahead for the 4th and final playoff spot in the East. The Terriers visit Selkirk for the rematch on Tuesday (Feb. 8) and then for the final time this season on Feb. 12 in Portage.