The Portage Terriers’ season has come to an end after falling to the Dauphin Kings in the Turnbull Cup semi finals. The players have gone home for the summer with many of them preparing for next year. For seven Terriers, they have aged out of junior hockey and will be playing for different teams next season: Cameron Bullinger, Scott Cousins, Grant Dardis, Decker Mujcin, Nolan Nenow, Sully Ross and Parker Scherr.
Forward Cameron Bullinger will be playing next season for the University of Wisconsin – Eau Clair (NCAA DIV III). “It’s about five hours from home so that was a deciding factor for me,” says Bullinger. “The opportunity as well is a factor; they are graduating three left wingers. I’m going to go into business and I would like to take some nutrition classes.”
The Fargo, ND, product says he really enjoyed his two seasons north of the border with the Terriers. “It was a really cool experience coming here to Portage. The small community aspect was really cool to be a part of. I loved my time here.”
Prince George, BC’s Scott Cousins is still weighing his options for next season. “This season was a perfect way to put a bow on my junior career. I definitely want to go to school next year, but I’m not sure if hockey will be in the picture or not.”
Defenceman Grant Dardis is looking forward to playing next season closer to home. “I’ve committed to Augsberg University (NCAA DIV III) and I think they have a great hockey program. I’m focusing on a business degree. Also the location is great with it being close to home and good academics. It was an easy choice.”
“It’s been unreal here in Portage. I couldn’t ask for anything better. I think with the community here, the support, the coaches, and staff and how much they care. You can’t ask for anything better.”
Nolan Nenow will also be going to Augsberg University (NCAA DIV III) in Minneapolis Minnesota with Dardis. “I’m undecided as to what I’m going to study. Likely business and or potentially chiropractic. It’s been the best two years of my life here in Portage. It’s been the best decision to come here. From day one I was welcomed in like a family, and I wouldn’t change it for anything.”
Terrier forward Decker Mujcin spent two years in Portage and really cherishes his time with the team. “I loved it here in Portage. I got to know a lot of people. I’d like to thank all the fans for supporting me here. I enjoyed every minute of it.”
He has committed to the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) for next season. The Edmonton based school isn’t too far from his home of Prince George, BC. “I’ve committed to NAIT (ACAC). I’m going into the carpentry program. With the school being close to home and having a good hockey program it is a great opportunity for me. I’m excited to get started.”
Defenceman Sully Ross will be heading to the University of Jamestown (ACHA). “I chose it for a couple of reasons. It’s one of the top organizations in ACHA, I’ve heard a lot of great things about the place and know a few players there. It was a pretty easy decision on my end. Right now I’m looking at business administration, but I’m not sure yet. I still have to figure it out.”
Terrier Captain Parker Scherr is looking forward to starting a career. “It was a disappointing finish. I thought we had the group to go all the way. I’m proud of the team. I have nothing but good things to say about the coaching staff and the community of Portage. After I head home, I’m hoping to enroll in the police force in Edmonton, and then maybe Medicine Hat or Red Deer if Edmonton doesn’t work out. I’d like to kind of get my life started and get a good career.”
Thank you to all of our players, sponsors, volunteers and fans for supporting the team. We couldn’t do it without you!