The Portage Terriers kicked off the MJHL Exhibition Season with a 5-2 win over Virden last night at the PCU Centre.

It was a match between both clubs' rookies to start the year, and the Terriers led 2-nothing after the first period thanks to goals from Ryan Redekopp and Duncan Pierce. Virden cut the dogs' lead to 1 shortly into the second, but it was all Portage after that. Terriers' Chance Dickenson, Brenden Martin, and Jared Roy each found the back of the net making the score 5-1 heading into the final frame. The Oil Caps would add 1 more six minutes into the 3rd, but the Terriers bounced back to finish the game strong.

Wesley Ellingsen started the game for the Terriers. He made 12 saves and allowed 1 goal.

Terriers' Assistant Coach Paul Harland says two great periods of hockey got the job done.

"We forechecked well and were able to capitalize on some turnovers, and I thought everyone played a really solid 2 periods. Then in the 3rd period (Virden) came on and controlled the play more than we did, but we got 5 goals here so we had enough to win."

The Terriers' goalies split the game with Wesley Ellingsen playing the first 30 minutes, and Brock Aiken closing out the game. Each goalie allowed a goal, Ellingsen made 12 saves and Aiken made 19. Harland says they both earned another look.

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Brock Aiken regroups after allowing his only goal of the night.

"Yeah, I think so. I think they both made some big saves and played well. In the 3rd period there we were giving up a quite a few shots and I thought Brock was really good, and I thought Wesley was really good too."

Harland says last night's game really didn't make their decisions any easier.

"The guys we keep around will be in the mix fighting for spots. It's always going to be tougher as you get closer to the regular season, but so far everyone that's going to be here had a shot to make the club."

Harland adds the Terriers should be down to around 28 or 29 players after last night's releases. The Terriers and Oil Capitals have a rematch on Tuesday in Virden.