Portage was on the road Friday night looking for redemption against Swan Valley just a week after falling 4-0.
The Stampeders came out strong in the beginning and the Terriers found themselves behind early. Shane Roulette and Keaton Jameson both capitalized on turnovers while Tripp finished on the powerplay for a 3-0 Swan lead.
Tripp would go on to score another powerplay marker in the second and for the second straight game, the 9th place Stampeders were up by 4.
Determined to stay in it, Portage fought their way back. Sokoloski got the Dogs on the board halfway through the second, but Swan answered minutes later. Duncan Pierce scored his first as a Terrier before the end of forty minutes to cut the lead to 3.
Mickoski and Barnstable picked up goals in the third to get within one, but that’s as close as they’d get. Basarab and McIsaac traded goals before Tripp finished the hat trick with an empty netter for a 7-5 final.
Lasse Petersen faced 11 shots and made 7 saves before being replaced by the rookie minder Benoit who made 8 saves on 10 shots.
Next up Neepawa
Portage headed to Neepawa Sunday for their second straight road game not having seen the Natives since doubling them up on home ice October 22nd.
Kain Stevenson opened the scoring late in the first with his 3rd of the season. The game wouldn’t see another goal until Williams’ picked up his first as a Dog :59 seconds in to the 3rd.
The Terriers found themselves in a bit of trouble when Turner Santin took a 5 minute major for kneeing in the third. With the man advantage Neepawa picked up 2 to tie the game.
Mackenzie Dwyer scored the game winner with a beautiful snapshot with 2:35 to go for a 3-2 final. All Portage’s goals in tonight’s match up coming from defenceman.
Benoit picked up the win with a great outing in net turning away 31 shots.
Next up the Terriers play host to the Virden Oil Capitals this Wednesday 7:30pm at Stride Place.