Klaassen happy to reunite with former teammate in Portage

The Portage Terriers have seen steady contributions from some players who may not always show up on the stat sheet in recent weeks. 

The Terriers have been running with three lines of forwards due to injuries and suspensions. This has led to more playing time for players like Gavin Klaassen.

Klaassen has seven points in 16 games since he came to Portage in December, however, four of those points have come in the last three games. The 19-year-old is from Ypsilanti, Michigan and talks about what the transition has been like.

"The main thing is the cold. It's freezing here," Klaassen explains. "I've gotten used to it. You just wear a scarf and some gloves, and you're good. It's definitely a different culture here but it's a hockey town, and I played in a hockey town before. I love being here. I'm excited to finish the year here."

Klaassen played 12 games in the North American Hockey League with the Johnstown Tomahawks before becoming a Terrier. The Tomahawks were also home to Terrier forward Noah Wagner last year, who Klaassen has played alongside for almost every shift he's had in the green and white. 

He outlines how nice it was to already have that connection.

"It's been good. I was with (Wagner) a bit last year, and he's a good guy," Klaassen continues. "We're actually billet brothers this year. So, it's like ultimate chemistry between us. It's fun playing with Wags. He's a good player."

Klaassen and the Terriers will be back in action tonight as they head to Niverville for a battle with the Nighthawks. Puck drop is set for 3 p.m., and you can listen to the game live on CFRY 920AM.