The Portage Terriers lost 4-3 in a shootout to the visiting Virden Oil Capitals on Sunday night.
Portage jumped out of the gate with some quick pressure. Colby Lubachowski scored his first MJHL goal, cleaning up a rebound off the rush. It was the Terriers’ first lead of the season. Johnny Carmichael and Aeden Loschiavo picked up the assists; their first points as a Terrier. Portage continued to play well and Jacob Piller sniped a shot under the crossbar on the power play to make it 2-0. The Terriers finished the game 2/7 with the man advantage. The first period remained close with the Terriers outshooting Virden 13-12.
The Oil Capitals struck first in the second period and got to within one. Portage stayed with it, and Kian Calder scored his second of the season on the power play. Portage outshot Virden 11-6.
Things started to swing in Virden’s direction in the third period. Portage got into some penalty trouble and the Oil Capitals were able to score twice shortly after Terrier penalties expired. Goals came from Braeden Lewis and Josh Belcher.
“Our odd man rushes against us killed us,” says Terrier defenceman Kian Calder. “I think we played an overall better game than we did on Friday. We have a good future ahead of us and hopefully we can get some wins.”
In overtime the Terriers were able to maintain good puck possession with quality chances. Both goaltenders had to make some important stops to keep it tied.
In the shootout Portage had goals from Ryan Hofer and Ryan Botterill, and looked to be on the edge of a win, before Connor Geekie scored for Virden to tie the shootout at 2. Portage was unable to score again.
The Terriers now start a four game series with the Neepawa Natives on Friday. Their next home game will be Saturday October 24, at 7:30 against the Natives at Stride Place.
