It took triple overtime for the Portage Terriers to beat the Selkirk Steelers last night in game one of the best of seven MJHL quarter-finals. Josh Martin, the hero of the night, scored a pair of goals for Portage including the game winner in the 3-2 victory.

Both teams would try and set the tone physically in the first period. The Terriers received a great effort from their new fourth line of Nick Doyle, Takato Cox, and Spencer Kuhlman. Portage took the only penalty of the period and it wound up costing them. Jake Dudar opened the score halfway through the frame on the power play. He snapped home a nice shot over the shoulder of Terrier goalie Brock Aiken.

Selkirk would get their second of the night early in the second period when Nathan Halvorsen drove to the net and knocked home a feed from the corner. Portage would respond 12 seconds later. Josh Martin forced a turnover in the Selkirk zone and fired it home low blocker side from the left circle.

Momentum would swing towards Portage as Chase Brakel finished off a one-timer in front of the net eight minutes later to tie the game at two. Selkirk had the best chance to end the game in regulation; they received a four-minute power play when Ty Enns caught Liam Kroeker with a high stick. The Terriers killed it off and forced the game into overtime.

The first two overtime periods solved nothing. The teams traded chances and both goalies came up with big glove saves. Terrier captain Riley Thiessen stepped up big in the extra time with a lot of minutes. Fatigue started to play a big factor as the game went along. Finally, after 99 minutes of hockey, Josh Martin tucked home a rebound in front of the net. Brock Aiken kept the Terriers in the game, ending the night with 45 saves.

The Terriers now have a 1-0 series lead heading back to Stride Place on Sunday night at 6:30. The game will be broadcast on CFRY and Portageonline.com.

For the complete box score Click Here.

Hayden Dola makes one of his 43 saves