The Portage Terriers are hitting the road this weekend as they have a set of back-to-back contests. The Dogs will be starting off the weekend in Swan Valley tonight for their first meeting against the Stampeders this season. 

Swan Valley is coming off a 5-1 loss against the OCN Blizzard in their last contest, while the Terriers have won six games in a row. Portage went up 3-0 in the first period of their last game but gave up two goals late in that frame, which made it a competitive contest the rest of the way. Forward Matt Wisener says they can't let their foot off the gas when they're in the driver's seat.

"It's hard, mistakes are going to happen but I think if we can just limit those mistakes and always be winning battles, I think it'll come," Wisener continues. "Mistakes are going to happen, and goals are going to happen but it's about how you bounce back from it."

Wisener is currently tied for the team lead in goals with five so far this season. He says, with a full MJHL season under his belt, he came into this year feeling a lot more comfortable.

"It's just a confidence thing. That first year is tough to start but I played with some really good players who moved on, and they taught me a lot of things about how to play in the league," Wisener explains. "I would just say it's the confidence and being able to make plays a little better and a little sharper."

The Terriers will have the statistical advantage on special teams in this one as they have one of the top three penalty-killing units in the MJHL. Swan Valley has converted on just six of their 36 power-play opportunities this year. Wisener notes one of their main focuses in practice this week is fine-tuning their sets with the man-advantage.

Portage forward Daniel Siso is entering this one on a three-game goal streak and a five-game point streak, while forward Austin Peters has a point in four straight games.

After tonight's matchup in Swan Valley, the Terriers will head up to OCN to take on the West Division's top team in the Blizzard.

Puck drop for both contests is set for 7 p.m.

Tale of the Tape

Record
Terriers: 9-1-0
Stampeders: 4-4-2

Team Leaders
Terriers: Hayden Lacquette (3G, 9A, 12Pts)
Stampeders: Justin Keck (3G, 8A, 11Pts)

Goaltenders
Terriers: Bailey Monteith (1.55GAA, 0.923SV%)
Stampeders: Kobe Grant (2.11GAA, 0.944SV%)

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