The Portage Terriers dropped their third straight game Friday night to start the regular season 0-3. The Winkler Flyers won the back and forth affair 4-3 on home ice.
The first period started slowly with both teams having trouble staying out of the penalty box. Jayden Catellier looked solid in net for Portage stopping all 10 shots he faced.
The pace picked up in the second period with Winkler scoring first. Daniel Isaak found the back of the net on the power play. Kian Calder quickly responded for Portage when a point shot went through everyone as a Terrier power play expired. It took less than a minute for the Flyers to regain their lead. Jaden McCarthy scored his fourth goal of the season over Cattellier’s shoulder.
Portage came out strong to start the third period. 17-year-old Austin Peters was sprung on a breakaway by Brandon McCartney and roofed the shot past Dylan Meilun for his first MJHL goal. The Dogs used that momentum to take their first lead of the night. Riley Borody banged home a loose puck in front of the net to make it 3-2 Portage. Winkler never gave up and Trent Penner squeaked a shot past the Terrier netminder to tie the game a few minutes later. In the late stages of the third, Nicholas McKee banged home a rebound on the power play to regain the lead for Winkler. The Terriers were unable to respond despite pulling the goalie with a minute left.
The Terriers finished the night 0/8 on the power play. Catellier stopped 26 in his first start in the regular season. Portage will play Winkler again Saturday night at Stride Place. Puck drop is set for 7:30. Doors open at 6pm. Please use the South or West entrance and have proof of vaccination and ID ready to be shown.
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