Portage won the first of two against Winkler in MJHL hockey this weekend, and with a win Sunday, they'll be tied in the standings. They won 4-2 at the PCU Centre as game two heads to Winkler. 
 
"We weren't focused on (game two), we were just looking at tonight's game, and it worked out good for us," says head coach Blake Spiller. 
 
Portage opened things up with a shorthanded goal seven minutes into the game. James McIsaac finished off a Chase Brakel pass to get the Dogs on the board. Winkler would tie things a little later in the period when Braden Cullum scored five-hole on Terriers' Brock Aiken. Portage had four penalties in the first, two going to defenceman Mackenzie Dwyer. 
 
Both clubs exchanged goals in the second. Winkler scored just over a minute into the frame on the powerplay to take the 2-1 lead. Layne Toder would tie things shortly after with a top corner wrist shot all alone in the slot. The Dogs ended the second with a 5-on-3 powerplay but couldn't beat netminder Cole Weaver to get a lead for the third. 
 
The final 20 was exciting back-and-forth action, as both teams had multiple chances in tight. Just as it seemed the game may be heading into overtime, Terriers' defenceman Jordan Thomson undressed a Winkler defender with a toe-drag, and buried one high blocker to take a 3-2 lead. Takato Cox would add an unassisted empty net goal to finish off the Flyers. 
 
"We were a little short staffed because Turner Santin is away for personal reasons. He'll be back after the break for sure," says Spiller. "It made it tough on our guys, up front especially, but I thought we did what we needed to do to get the win."
 
Aiken made 32 saves to hang on for the win. Portage went 0-for-5 on the powerplay, and allowed 1 powerplay goal against out of 6 opportunities for the Flyers. 
 
"I feel like we had some chances in the second period that if we would've buried, it would've made it a lot easier on ourselves," says Spiller. "Overall it was a good game, even with the short bench."
 
The Terriers are back in action Sunday when they visit Winkler for the second in two nights. Spiller lists a few things he feels could help ensure a victory on the road.
 
"We need to tighten up our defensive zone coverage at times, and we need to be a little more disciplined. Especially in their barn, they always seem to be a little better in their own rink."
 
Tonight's game starts at 7:30 in Winkler.