The Portage Terriers suffered their first loss of the MJHL season last night as they fell to the Steinbach Pistons 5-4. It was a rough start on the road for Portage, as they were outshot 12-3 in the first period. The rivalry was renewed immediately with both teams playing physical. The Pistons capitalized on their chances first, netting goals from Portager Drew Anderson, Jordan Bochinski and Dawson Waddell in the opening frame.

The Terriers seemed to find their game in the second period; newcomer Ashton Clark scored the first Terrier goal off a long point shot. Ryan Sokoloski brought Portage within one when he won the faceoff to Jordan Thomson and deftly tipped the point shot underneath Steinbach goalie Roman Bengert. With less than a minute left in the period, Chase Brakel slipped one home on the power play to tie the game heading into the third.

Both teams came to play in the final period. Julien Koga gave the Pistons the early lead with a nice wrist shot over Brock Aiken. Brandon Stanley used his foot to deflect home the tying goal for Portage on the power-play minutes later. Discipline was a problem for Portage throughout the game, and Steinbach was able to capitalize when it mattered the most, scoring the game-winning goal on the power-play. The Pistons were 2 for 13 with the man advantage. With 2 minutes left the Terriers pulled their goaltender in a last-ditch effort to tie the game. Despite Steinbach defenseman Ryan Carlson being in the penalty box, they couldn't find the back of the net.

Brock Aiken was fighting rebounds all night but was able to make 31 stops on 36 shots for the Dogs. Portage's streak of 22 straight regular season wins dating back to last season has now come to an end. The Terriers will now look to rebound against OCN on Saturday.

For the complete box score CLICK HERE