PORTAGE, September 9, 2025 – The Portage Terriers annual rookie game saw 9 goals scored, with only one in the Terriers’ favour. The Dogs iced a lineup of young players including two who were 15, while the Oil Capitals had a more experienced squad including four 20-year-olds.
The first frame saw 22 shots directed on goal, but only four from the Terriers. Virden scored a pair of goals that Portage was unable to respond to in the frame, making it 2-0 Virden after the first period.
Declan Siwicki would score early in the second frame to make it 2-1, but despite doubling their shot output to 8 in the frame, Portage would finish the frame down 7-1.
Terrier assistant coaches Robby Moar and Brock Trotter were in charge of the bench during the game, and Moar says they had some bright spots. “We were mostly looking for compete level to see if it was consistent all the way through. For most of the guys it was their first experience at this level and they did the best they could.”
The Terriers would manage three more shots in the third period, but the score would only see Virden add one more to their tally. 8-1 would be the final score in the Oil Capitals favour.
“The closer we get to the start of the season, the more excited we get,” says Moar. “There are still some things that have to happen around here, but as we get ramped up we will start feeling better about ourselves and get some better results.”
The Dogs will be back in action Wednesday night in Virden as they wrap up the home-and-home series at Tundra Oil and Gas Place. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
