Story Courtesy Jared Thiessen (Portageonline.com)
The Portage Terriers got back in the win column on Wednesday night narrowly beating the Winkler Flyers 2-1 at Stride place. The Terrier win ended the Flyers’ 8-game winning streak.
A penalty would get the Terriers in trouble early in the first period, as Parker Scherr was assessed a minor for interference just under 4 minutes into the game.
On the ensuing powerplay, Flyers forward Trent Penner opened the scoring. He found himself wide open on the doorstep, and tapped home his 20th goal of the season.
Terrier goalie Jayden Catellier says despite letting one in early, he felt like it was a great game from his teammates playing in front of him.
“The guys battled really hard tonight in front of me, and it made things really easy for me. They kept things to the outside, not very many good chances. They got one early, but the guys didn’t let off and we were able to battle back and get the win.”
The Terriers would respond late in the period with 3 seconds left on the clock to tie the game at one. Tayem Gislason found himself unguarded just past the faceoff circle in Winkler’s end and wired home a wrist shot past Winkler netminder Malachi Klassen.
The teams remained deadlocked at one goal apiece through the second frame, despite some outstanding chances, including a three-on-none that Slade Stanick missed by inches.
The two squads remained tied up until five minutes remained in the third period. Owen Witt took a shot that barely missed the net, and Gabriel Laflamme retrieved the rebound and, after two attempts, put the Terriers up 2-1.
Gabriel Laflamme describes what happened and how it felt to put away the winning goal.
“That felt amazing. Good shot from the d-man, juicy rebound, and the next one didn’t go in, but I felt like I needed to put the last one in, so I’m just happy that it did and that we won the game.”
The Flyers pulled the goalie with 53 second remaining and would try to get back to even. Slade Stanick would take a boarding penalty with 16 seconds left, giving the Winkler Flyers a six-player-to-four advantage. Portage would secure the puck off the faceoff and took the victory in regulation.
The Dogs win is their second against the Flyers this season, and brings them back to within three points of second place in the MGEU East Division.
Captain Tayem Gislason says it was an important win for the club.
“It feels really good, you know, we got some good momentum going forward here to keep catching up to them and we’ll see what happens.”
The Terriers now prepare for a two-game road trip where they will face off with the Neepawa Titans on Friday night and the Winnipeg Blues on Sunday.
Friday night’s game can be heard on CFRY with Cody Buhler.
