The Portage Terriers came out on the winning end of a hard fought MJHL battle last night against the Winkler Flyers. The Bowles twins did the heavy lifting offensively, as they each had a goal in the 2-1 victory.

The first was a tight checking period with both teams getting chances. Shawn Bowles got Portage on the board in the second period as he raced up the ice short handed and beat Nathan Warren glove side.

With less than two minutes to play in the frame Cam Whyte of the Winkler Flyers tied the game with a beautiful backhand shot.

Portage started the third period on the power play and quickly went to a 5 on 3 advantage as Nathan Karlowsky went to the box for elbowing. Brad Bowles found the puck at the side of the net and buried it to regain the lead.

Brad Bowles celebrates his game winning goal against Winkler

Terriers' forward Brandon Stanley talks about killing their penalty at the end of the game.

"It's huge, these were big points for our team -- and we're going to need them going down the stretch -- especially when we play these kinds of teams to help separate ourselves from them."

Nathan Park was stellar in net for Portage making the key saves when he had to. He says there were a few contributing factors to the win.

"It was a combination of just being in position and a little bit a luck. One glove save I was pushing toward the first guy, then realized there was a second guy, and I was sure it was in the net, but it ended up hitting me when I threw my glove out there. Sometimes that goes your way, and sometimes it ends up in the back of the net. Luckily I was able to keep it out though."

Park stopped 28 of 29 to pick up the win. Portage now has their first lead in the season series with the Flyers and are up 3-2. The Terriers are back in action Friday when they visit Neepawa.