The offense came alive last night for the Portage Terriers as they beat the visiting Swan Valley Stampeders 7-1. The Dogs have averaged almost 7 goals in their last 3 games and are averaging over 5 goals per game this season. The first period started quietly though with the Terriers and Stampeders only mustering a combined 12 shots. The first intermission seemed to kick Portage into gear as Jeremey Leipsic scored 48 seconds into the frame when he finished off a pass from Kirklan Lycar.

It was a night of firsts as Lane Taylor scored his first career MJHL goal off a point shot to make it 2-0. Boedey Vaeth would respond minutes later for Swan Valley; he banged home his first MJHL goal at the side of the net. The Terriers would start to take over as the period moved along. Ryan Sokoloski pounced on a loose puck and tucked one home on a 2 on 0 rush. Calvin Bliid would score in a similar situation before the end of the second, sliding the puck 5-hole on Stampeder goalie Connor Slipp.

Calvin Bliid behind the net looking for the puck

The Terriers wouldn't let up in the third period, adding three to their total. Leipsic scored his second of the night in the first two minutes, Mack McPhee scored his first as a Terrier, and with less than a second on the clock Ryan Hendrix knocked one home to make it 7-1.

McPhee attributes their three-game winning streak to the way they prepare. "We're practicing like we want to play. We are going pretty hard in practice and it is carrying over into games."

Brock Aiken looked comfortable in net stopping 16 of 17 shots. Kelby Pickard had assists on the goals from Taylor and McPhee which are his first two points as a Terrier. Special teams wasn't a factor as only 6 penalties were called; three against each team.

The Terriers are now off on a 3 game road trip starting Friday night in Neepawa. The game against the Natives tomorrow night will be broadcast on CFRY and Portageonline.com with the pre-game show starting at 7:20pm.

For the complete box score CLICK HERE.

Brock Aiken making one of his 16 saves