Defense and goaltending were key for the Portage Terriers last night as they snuck out a 2-1 win in Neepawa. The Natives came out hard early in the first period but Portage would withstand the pressure and get on the board first. As a 5 on 3 power play ended for Portage Ty Enns fired home a shot at the side of the net. Kirklan Lycar and Jeremey Leipsic recorded the assists.

Early in the second period Calvin Bliid crashed the net for Portage and picked up his 7th point in the last 4 games as he beat Evan Robert. Half way through the frame, Neepawa's top line of Ashton Anderson, John McCammon, and Justin Metcalf would strike on a 2 on 1. Anderson's pass perfectly hit the tape of McCammon and his shot went off the post and in past a sprawling Brock Aiken. The Terriers struggled to get meaningful scoring chances as the game progressed, while the momentum seemed to swing toward Neepawa. The Natives outshot Portage in the second 19-5.

Terriers celebrate a goal

The Dogs came out physical in the third period and Brock Aiken continued his strong night making 10 more saves to pick up the win. Aiken stopped 36 of 37. Terrier head coach and GM Blake Spiller gives his goalie a lot of credit.

"I didn't think we generated much the whole night... They probably deserved to win this one, other than our goaltender was real good tonight. That's the only reason we got two points here tonight."

The Terriers are back in action on Wednesday in Winkler.

For the complete box score CLICK HERE.

Calvin Bliid in action