A tight checking game slipped away from the Portage Terriers last night at the Western Canada Cup as they fell 2-1 to the Chilliwack Chiefs. The BCHL representative was looking for their first win of the tournament after losing their opener against the Brooks Bandits 5-2 on Saturday.

Chances were limited in the the first period with both goalies looking strong. Portage outshot the Chiefs 8-3. Chilliwack is normally a physical team, but they were out hit by an energetic Terrier club lead by forward Scott Mickoski. He says "I had some opportunities to finish checks and made it happen."

Tommy Lee got the Chiefs on the board early in the second period. He finished off a perfect 2 on 1 pass from Justin Dixson. Portage responded seven minutes later off the rush. James McIsaac tipped home a tic-tac-toe passing play with Jeremey Leipsic and Chase Brakel. It would only be tied for five minutes before Jordan Kawaguchi broke the deadlock. While shorthanded Will Calverley sprung him on a partial breakaway, and Kawaguchi beat Kurtis Chapman high glove side.

"I think both teams played strong overall" says McIsaac. "Some of the bounces didn't go our way. We got a lot of shots on net so just capitalizing I guess."

The Terriers increased their pressure in the third period but were unable to tie the game at two. Chapman finished the night with 17 saves. Portage had difficulty setting up on the power play and finished the night 0-4.

The Dogs will have to wait a little longer to clinch a spot in the playoffs. The Terriers, Chiefs, and Penticton Vees are all tied for second place in the standings with 3 points. Portage is off on Tuesday but will play again Wednesday night at 9 pm Manitoba time against the Brooks Bandits.

For the complete box score click here.

Kurtis Chapman makes a save