For the first time in 4 seasons, a team other than the Portage Terriers will hoist the Turnbull Cup as champions.
In a first round series that saw the Terriers facing elimination 4 games in, they fought their way to a game 6 last night in Winnipeg where they were eliminated in a 3-2 overtime loss.
It was a fast and physical first period for the dogs. Dexter Kuczek opened the scoring for the Blues the recipient of a pass in the slot. Portage’s Mickoski answered 4 minutes later, Sokoloski delivering the perfect sauce in front. The game was even after one.
19 seconds into the 2nd, Jeremey Leipsic beat Link for the 2-1 lead to the excitement of the very pro Portage crowd. Portage had multiple chances to increase their lead in the 2nd, but were met with a lucky Link. The first powerplay of the game came at the 16.31 point, it took just 9 seconds for Levi Cudmore to even the game at 2.
Despite both teams having quality chances in the third, the game was undecided after 60 minutes.
Portage had the first opportunity in the extra frame, but was unable to finish. Winnipeg came back and Hillis beat Petersen over the shoulder for the game winner to end Portage’s season.
The Terriers drop the best of 7 quarterfinal 4-2.