Veteran players carried the Portage Terriers to a 4-3 exhibition win last night over the Winnipeg Blues at BellMTS Iceplex. It was newcomer Daniel McKitrick who opened the scoring halfway through the first period. He was acquired by Portage from the RBC Cup Champion Cobourg Cougars in the off season.

In the second period, the Blues would tie the game midway through the period. Mackenzie Dwyer scored two minutes later to restore Portage's lead. Before the end of the frame, former Terrier Dexter Kuczek tied the game at two.

McKitrick recorded his second of the night in the third to put the Terriers up 3-2 and Chase Brakel put the game out of reach minutes later. Winnipeg notched a final tally with less than a minute to play and the net empty, but it was too little too late. Zachary Bennet let in 3 goals on 16 shots and picked up the win. Brendan Benoit started the game for Portage and was perfect on the 11 shots he faced.

Returning players Ryan Sokoloski, Mackenzie Dwyer, James McIsaac, Chase Brakel, Jeremey Leipsic and Scott Mickoski all got their first taste of preseason action. Daniel McKitrick and Cole Oliver who were both acquired by trade also played their first in a Terrier jersey.

Portage will now host the Blues in their final preseason game Sunday night, 6:30 pm, at Stride Place.

For the complete box score CLICK HERE.