After a slow start the Portage Terriers scored 4 goals in the third period to beat the OCN Blizzard last night 5-2 at the PCU Centre. Despite outshooting OCN 15-7 in the first neither the Terriers or Blizzard were able to get on the board. The Terrier lineup had a different feel to it with many players out of the lineup. Dean Stewart and Brett Orr were at the Team Canada West selection camp, Michael Knaub and Turner Santin suspended, and Nick Henry and Chase Fincaryk were out with injury. The Terriers called up Braeden Binda from the Eastman Selects, Chase Faulkner and recently sent down Austin Friesen. The Terriers were still playing with only 11 forwards. The Blizzard were in a similar situation, and were playing with only 5 defensemen.

In the second period penalties started to become a factor for both teams. Portage took 5 minor penalties, with OCN taking 4. The Blizzard were able to get on the board first with Brady Keeper going bar down with a nice point shot on the power play. Chase Brakel would respond for Portage on a 5 on 3 man advantage; he capitalized on a rebound at the side of the net.

Things started to open up in the third period with two quick goals in the first minute by Portage. The first goal came on the power play as Shawn Bowles banged home a loose puck in front of the net. Ryan Sokoloski scored a beautiful goal 10 seconds later deking out the goalie and sliding it into the empty net. Now with a 2 goal lead the Terriers continued to pour on the pressure. Braydon MacDonald finished off a tic tac toe passing play, shooting it five hole on Emiliem Boily to make it 4-1. The Terriers would get their fifth later in the period as Shawn Bowles tipped home his second of the night.

The Blizzard would add one late but it wouldn't be enough. Shots on goal would get closer as the game went on, with Portage outshooting OCN 34-33. Josh Bykowski picked up the win in net for Portage in his first game as a Terrier.

For the full box score CLICK HERE.