The offence came alive early last night for the Portage Terriers as they beat the visiting Winkler Flyers 4-1 at the PCU Centre. It was the third win in a row for the dogs and 2nd of the season against Winkler.

The top line of Chase Brakel, Jeremey Leipsic, and James McIsaac struck first on the power play just over 4 minutes into the game. 16-year-old defenseman Layne Toder picked up an assist on the play in his first game back since October 23rd. Josh Sielsky would be left alone in front later in the period and would tuck home his first goal as a Portage Terrier. Aiden Buhler notched an assist on the play; his first point in the league. The Terriers would take a penalty moments later but would find the back of the net short-handed. Chase Brakel was sent in alone by Ty Enns and he fired it past Cole Weaver glove side.

Lane Taylor takes the puck behind the net

The Terriers were outshot each period, but early in the game were getting better scoring chances. Jeremey Leipsic scored his 13th goal of the season on the doorstep with 5 minutes to go in the second period to give his team the comfortable lead heading into the third.

Winkler poured on the pressure late in the game, narrowly missing the net, and hitting the post numerous times. They would eventually end Brock Aiken's shutout bid when Mitch Dyck found the back of the net on the power play. Thomas Lenchyshyn was the one who had taken the penalty for Portage after he had taken a 5 minute high-sticking major and was ejected for fighting. The goal would be too little too late as Aiken shut the door and the Terriers held on for the 4-1 victory. The win ties the season series with the Flyers at 2-2, and it moves the Terriers to within two points of Winkler in the standings.

It was a young group of defensemen again for Portage as 5 of the 6 were 17 or younger, with the other defenseman being 18. The Terriers also saw the pairing of Kain Stevenson and Cody Thompson leave the game with injury. Their status for the game on Saturday is unknown.

The Terriers are now off until Saturday when they will host the Neepawa Natives. The Teddy Bear Toss for the Salvation Army will be held that night; when you come to the PCU Centre bring a stuffed animal and throw it on the ice when the Terriers score their first goal. The bears will be collected for the Salvation Army Christmas hampers.

For the complete box score CLICK HERE.

Nick Doyle dropped the gloves near the end of the game