The Neepawa Natives were fighting for their playoff lives last night as they picked up a 6-5 shoot-out win over the visiting Portage Terriers. It was a back and forth affair which started with two early goals in the first period from Jeremey Leipsic. The MJHL's leading scorer notched the first goal on a breakaway, and he picked up the second for Portage on a quick wrap-around. Former Terrier Josh Sielsky would score for Neepawa before the end of the first to bring them back within one.

The Terriers jumped back out to a two-goal lead early in the second period when Brendan Kochanski tipped a Jared Roy pass between Tyler Gutenburg's legs. The Natives would come alive as the period wore on. Nick Schultze had a pair of goals and Justin Metcalf had one. The third Neepawa goal of the game saw Kurtis Chapman pulled from the Terrier net; he made 19 saves on 22 shots.

In the third period, the Natives opened up a two-goal lead when their captain Reigan Buchanan found the back of the net. The Terriers wouldn't say die as Layne Toder had a point shot find its way through traffic. Seconds later Ty Barnstable finished off a quick pass from Ty Enns to tie the game at five.

It would remain tied for the rest of the third period and through the five minute three on three overtime. It would take nine rounds of the shootout before the Natives emerged victorious. Takato Cox scored the lone Terrier shootout goal with a nice "heel drag", while Schultze and Griffin Chwaliboga scored for Neepawa.

With the win the Natives move into sole possession of the 8th and final playoff spot; one point ahead of Swan Valley. They both have 4 games left.

Portage now gets set for a rematch with Neepawa tonight at stride place at 7:30. The Terriers are 3-1-1 in the season series with the Natives.

For the complete box score CLICK HERE.