The Portage Terriers kicked off the Western Canada Cup with a bang today as they edged past the Melfort Mustangs 2-1 in the tournament opener. The game started slowly for Terrier Ryan Hendrix and Dakota Boutin, Kalem Zary and Rylan Freed for the Melfort Mustangs as they all committed warm up violations, and received 10 minute misconducts. At the Western Canada Cup if a player touches the red line during warm up it is an automatic misconduct.

The afternoon start didn't seem to play a factor for Nick Henry as he scored the first goal of the game 5:34 into the first period. The puck was shot from the corner and a rebound was kicked out in front to Henry who was able to bang it home. Shawn Bowles and Dean Stewart were credited with the assists. The Melfort Mustangs got some great chances early in the game and outshot Portage 13-8 in the first.

 

The Terriers would strike again early in the second period on the power play as Brett Orr snuck home a point shot. Melfort would respond quickly as Travis Mayan tucked one home back door from a cross seam pass by Tristan Frei. The play would turn physical as Riley Thiessen was kicked out for hitting from behind, and Kalem Zary was ejected minutes later for a hit to the head of Brett Orr. No players were injured in either play.

Portage continued to pour on the pressure as they outshot Melfort 13-5 in the second and 10-3 in the third. Nathan Park shut the door when in mattered and stopped 20 of the 21 sent his way.

The Terriers participated in the opening ceremonies before the evening game.

 

The Terriers play the Estevan Bruins Sunday evening at 8pm Manitoba time.