A busy third period saw Portage cap off the regular season with a 5-2 win over the Winnipeg Monarchs.
Hunter Dingman potted the only goal in the first frame, as the team collected a turnover in the offensive zone, and Dingman put the shot off the goalie’s glove hand and into the goal. 1-0 Portage after one period.
The second period brought on more of the same, as Terrier Jonah Lemoine made a beautiful play to lead the goalie to the side of the net, then fed Dexter Materi the puck with a wide-open. 2-0 Dogs.
The Monarchs added a pair of goals in the final frame, but it was too little, too late, as the Terriers notched three more from Owen Witt, Tyler Kendall, and an empty netter for Breck Hirrschoff to finish off the regular season.
Witt notes that they knew this game wasn’t going to be any easier than a regular game.
“They played hard. We knew they would, they’re not a bad team, and it was their last game, too. So, we had a little bit of a tough first period, but the second and third were good.”
Kendall’s marker was his first at the MJHL level, as he found a puck through a scramble at the front of the net, and found some room high in the net.
“It felt great. This is my sixth game, so it’s nice to finally get one. And we got the win.”
Witt adds that the team is now focused on getting ready for a minimum of four consecutive games against the Steinbach Pistons, as Round One of the Turnbull Cup Playoffs begins for the two teams on Friday, March 20 at 7pm.
“They’re a fast team, so we’re going to have to work on our systems, all the small things. They might have a lot of skill, but if we can get them in the areas that we’re better at, I think we’ve got a good shot.”
Game two of the playoffs will be back in Portage on Sunday March 22 at 6:30pm. Playoff tickets go on sale Monday at 12pm.
