The Portage Terriers are 1 win away from moving on to the Manitoba Junior Hockey League Championship final after tonight's 7-4 win over the Winnipeg Blues at the PCU Centre.

The Blues had a 1 nothing lead only 16 seconds into this one, scoring right off the opening face-off. Portage tied things up 10 minutes later when Brandon Stanley scored off a scramble in front. Winnipeg would add another before the end of the period to go up 2-1. There was a scary moment where Terriers' defender Brett Orr was caught in the trolley tracks behind the net, which led to multiple penalties and misconducts for both clubs. Blues' forward Matt Leblanc was ejected for a major charging penalty on the play.

Dean Stewart throwing some punches after Matt Leblanc ran Brett Orr in the first period

The second was all Portage, as they netted 4 goals through 20 minutes. Adam Wowryk, Braydon MacDonald, Brad Bowles, and Brandon Stanley were the Terriers' goal scorers.

Winnipeg got back on the board in the 3rd, scoring back-to-back powerplay goals, cutting the dogs' lead to 1. The Blues managed to keep things close until the 5 minute mark, when Terriers' Captain Brad Bowles netted his second of the night to regain their 2 goal lead. Nick Henry would add an empty net goal for the Terriers.

Terriers' defenceman Brett Orr talks about the scary hit in the first period.

"Yeah it was one of those games. We know that's the way they play, and sometimes they catch you off guard, but you just got to shake off the bruises and come back for Friday."

Brandon Stanley and his linemates finished with 7 points on the night. Stanley talks about their performance.

Brandon Stanley celebrates his 1st goal of the night to tie the game at 1

"I think we played pretty good, we have to tighten up on the defense a little bit, but offensively... we're pretty skilled up front as a team, and as a line I think, and we contributed."

Portage's Assistant Coach Paul Harland says it took them a while to get going, but he liked their performance as the game progressed.

"Toward the end of the first we kind of got going, so I thought we were a little lucky to come out of there just down 2-1. Then we finally got our forecheck going and got some loose pucks, and got some pucks in the net. To start the third I thought we were fine, and luckily we finished strong and ended up getting the win."

Game 4 is Friday night at the MTS Iceplex in Winnipeg.