It was an all around solid road performance last night for the Portage Terriers as they beat the Winnipeg Blues 4-1 at the MTS Iceplex. The dogs had newly acquired Turner Santin in the lineup and he found the back of the net in the first 5 minutes when he was fed a nice pass from linemate Ryan Hendrix.

Santin played for Portage during the 2015-16 season but was dealt at the end of the year to the Soo thunderbirds (NOJHL). He was traded early this year to Virden and was acquired yesterday by Portage along with future considerations for Kelby Picard and Kirklan Lycar.

Former Terrier Dexter Kuczek would get Winnipeg on the board halfway through the frame when a lobbed shot snuck past Kurtis Chapman on the power play. Portage would outshoot the Blues in the first 13-7.

The Terriers regained their lead in the second period when Calvin Bliid stole a pass in neutral ice short handed and then fired home a shot from the high slot. The Terrier penalty kill would get more chances throughout the evening than the Winnipeg power play. Bliid says it has to do with their speed.

"We get on them quick and make them rush and that's how we cause turnovers and get shots."

Portage would increase their lead in the third period with a power play goal from Layne Toder and a gorgeous insurance marker from Ryan Hendrix. The 4th goal spelled the end of the evening for Winnipeg goaltender Adam Derochie who let in 4 goals on 26 shots. Kurtis Chapman would hold down the fort for Portage and picked up the 24 save victory.

The Terriers are back in action on Sunday when they host the Neepawa Natives at the PCU Centre at 6:30pm.

For the complete box score CLICK HERE

 

MJHL Cutdown Deals

The Portage Terriers made a number of moves at the first MJHL cutdown day on December 1st. (All teams need to be down to a maximum of 25 players)

- Kirklan Lycar and Kelby Picard were traded to the Virden Oil Capitals for Turner Santin and Future considerations
- Scott Mickoski was signed to a Junior C card
- Lane Taylor was sent back to the Midget AAA Central Plains Capitals
- Brendan Kochanski was acquired from the Dauphin Kings for Future considerations

For all of the recent MJHL trades CLICK HERE.