The Portage Terriers are looking for a repeat of their fate on Friday in tonight's home opener.

The Dogs kicked off the season in Selkirk two days ago with a 3-1 win over the Steelers. Now, with a rematch set for 6:30 at Stride Place, the Terriers will be doing whatever they can to remain undefeated.

Local defenceman Kian Calder says they are really starting to come together as a group.

"The guys are starting to get familiar with each other, and we're creating bonds as we speak," Calder explains. "It's just about getting closer as a group and building that chemistry that you'll see on the ice."

Three returning Terriers found the back of the net in game one as Austin Peters opened the scoring, Austin McLean picked up the eventual game-winner, and Ryan Botterill sealed the deal late in the third period.

One new face expected to be out of the lineup is forward Noah Wagner, who played in the middle on the top line in Selkirk. The 20-year-old took a hit from behind in the corner in the second period of Friday night's game and did not return to action. After the game, head coach Blake Spiller said he anticipated that one of their scratches would fill the void in the home opener but did not give a timetable on Wagner's injury.

The Terriers' penalty kill was flawless in the season opener as they killed off all three of the Steelers' power-plays and added a power-play marker of their own late in the contest.

Calder picked up an assist on the second goal of the game, which was a good way to start off his senior season with the Terriers. He notes there isn't a place he would rather cap off his junior hockey career.

"Since it's my last season, I want to make it something I can remember for the rest of my life," Calder continues. "I think we have the group of guys that are going to do that. I'm expecting it to be a big year for everyone in the room here."

The Terriers and Steelers face off tonight at Stride Place in the Dogs' home opener at 6:30.

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