The Portage Terriers started off the MJHL league final on the right foot last night as they beat the Steinbach Pistons 5-1. Shawn Bowles got his home town crowd going right away as he lifted one up and over Roman Bengert 31 seconds into the game. The Terriers first period momentum was halted when 8 minutes later Steinbach tied the game with a point shot from Anthony Kapelke. Nick Henry would score a nice goal two minutes later on the power play with traffic in front. The Pistons blocked plenty of Terrier shots in the first period, which resulted in Steinbach outshooting Portage 7-4.

The Terriers again came out with a bang as Brandon Stanley scored just over a minute into the second period. He caught Bengert going the wrong way, and slid home a wrap around. The Terriers picked up the offense and outshot the Pistons 11-6 in the frame.

Jeremey Leipsic chases after the puck behind the net

In the third period Portage would add a pair. Adam Wowryk was left a lone at the side of the net and went upstairs. Michael Knaub would seal the game with a pretty goal off a breakaway. Nathan Park played well in net for Portage stopping 16 of 17. He says his team played the way they wanted.

"I think we played like we have to against this team. We used our speed to our advantage, we gotta do that especially at home when we have the space, because they are built for the smaller rink."

The Terrier power play was 1 for 4 on the night, with the penalty kill a perfect 3 for 3. The Terriers now get set for game 2 on Sunday night in Steinbach. Forward Jeremey Leipsic says the crowd in Steinbach can be tough.

"It will be hostile...They play well in their own rink, so I think we will have to have a good start like we did today."

Before the game the Terriers had a special opening with injured Terrier defenceman Braden Pettinger. Find the full story and video HERE.

For the complete box score Click Here.