The Portage Terriers let a late third period lead slip away on Friday night, losing 4-3 in overtime to the Dauphin Kings.
The Terriers have struggled in first periods this season, and have let in the first goal every time. Friday night was no different, as Myles Yearwood found the back of the net 1:26 into the game.
“We need to start the game earlier,” said Terrier defenceman Brett Magarrell. “We need to keep our feet moving and play as a team and the rest will come.”
Nolan Nenow scored his first as a Terrier seven minutes later to tie the game at one. Penalty trouble hurt the Terriers as Dauphin regained their lead on the power play before the end of the first period.
In the second, Portage capitalized on a power play of their own, when Grant Dardis had a shot get through traffic. It was his first goal in the MJHL.
Slade Stanick gave the Terriers their first lead of the night midway through the third period. Late in the game though Stanick took a tripping penalty, which led to Nolan Wickham’s game tying goal on the man advantage.
In overtime Portage had a couple of good chances before the three skaters were caught deep in the Dauphin end. The Kings raced the other way and former Terrier Naaman Hofer scored the game winner on a breakaway.
Terrier netminder Gavin Renwick made 35 saves in his first start for Portage.
The Terriers now get set for a date with the Winnipeg Freeze on Sunday at Stride Place. Magarrell hopes for a better first period.
“We need to start when the puck drops on Sunday against the Freeze.”
The game begins at 6:30pm. Tickets are available here.
