The Portage Islanders are off to a 3-and-0 start in the South Eastern Manitoba Hockey League season.

They won 4-2 over Winkler Royals yesterday at the PCU Centre in Portage. It wasn't the best start for the Islanders but they managed to leave the first period with a 1-1 tie thanks to a Tanner Blight goal around the 10-minute mark. The Royals took a 2-1 lead in a slow second period where Portage just couldn't get any rhythm going in the offensive zone.

The third was a completely different game from Portage, as Zach Waldvogel opened the period with a goal 40 seconds in. Portage added 2 more in the period, the first from Daryl Flett, the second from import Jordyn Boyd.

Islanders' goalie Connor Nichol came up big in the second period to keep the game within reach. Defender Jeremy Brooks says they're comfortable with whoever starts between the pipes.

"Nichol made a couple of key saves for us, and it really make it easier to play when you know you have two goaltenders you can rely on. So that's kind of nice heading into any game."

Last season, the Islanders didn't record their first win until their third game, and were 1-4 through their first five. Brooks gives his thoughts on the hot start this year.

"Last year it took us a little bit longer to get going, and this year a lot of the guys are more adjusted to the league and know our systems a little bit. Our chemistry has really just come on a lot earlier than last year, and it's really helping us out right now."

The Islanders are back in action Friday when they visit Stonewall. Get the full scoring summary here.