It was an emotional start to the MJHL's Turnbull Cup final last night at the PCU Centre in Portage la Prairie.

Game 1 between the Terriers and Pistons opened with a heartfelt ceremony for injured Terriers' defenseman Braden Pettinger, who suffered a life altering injury earlier in the season. The Terriers retired number 2, Pettinger's number when he played for the club.

Pettinger received a standing ovation from the crowd on his entrance to the rink, and was almost at a loss for words afterward.

Terriers' Captain Brad Bowles and Braden Pettinger before the ceremonial face-off

"It's crazy. It's crazy that, all the community of Portage has been unbelievable. It's just a rush of emotions. It's a pretty unbelievable feeling."

Terriers' Marketing Manager Heather Jordan says Pettinger's really brought the team together.

"What happened to Braden was a freak accident, and I think as an organization -- and a family if you will -- we know that it could've been anybody out there. As well as all the other teams have rallied around Braden because they know it could've been any of them too. Braden really brought this team together this year, I don't know if you've heard but we're Playing for Petty, and I just think we're going to honour his name and his jersey, and I think it's the right thing to do."

Pettinger wants to thank the community of Portage la Prairie, and his teammates. Get the game result here.