The Portage Terriers started 2016 off on the right foot, as they picked up a 5-3 win over the visiting Steinbach Pistons. It's the first game of a home and home series with the Pistons that will wrap up tonight at the T.G. Smith Centre in Steinbach.

Despite some early chances for Steinbach, Portage got on the board first with the man advantage. Brandon Stanley showed off his soft hands in front of the net sliding it around the fallen Roman Bengert. Stanley would pick up the assist on Adam Wowryk's goal minutes later, as Wowryk slipped a quick shot fivehole from the side of net.

Portage increased the pressure in the second period and were able to out shoot Steinbach 14-6. Brad Bowles netted his first of the night as he cleaned up his own rebound in the slot.

Chase Brakel, who received the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Impact Player of the Month award at the start of the game, continued his hot play as he tipped a Cody Lightfoot shot under the arm of Bengert seconds into the third period. Less than 5 minutes later the Pistons started to show signs of life as Bradley Schoonbaert got them on the board. Brad Bowles put the game out of reach at the ten minute mark getting his 27th goal of the season.

The Pistons would add two goals in the last ten minutes but it was too little too late. Josh Bykowski would pick up his 3rd win as a Terrier in net, stopping 17 of 20.

The Terriers are back on the ice tonight at 7:30 in Steinbach. The game will be broadcast on CFRY and Portageonline.com starting with the pregame show at 7:20pm.