Portage Terriers’ GM/Head Coach Blake Spiller said earlier this week that the Brooks Bandits were the class of this Crescent Point Energy Western Canada Cup.
Spiller’s high-praise was confirmed Wednesday night in Estevan as the Bandits defeated the Terriers 9-3. Four of the five Bandits’ goals came via the powerplay. Terriers, who are guaranteed one of four playoff spots, now sport a 2-1-1 record. Bandits remain undefeated in three games.
“There were times when we looked good, and when they didn’t,” Spiller told CFRY-920. “It seemed like there were several games in a game. It is what it is. Brooks has a very good club, and we knew that coming in.”
Despite the loss, there were some positives for the Terriers to take away. The MJHL champions fell behind 3-0, only to rally back and tie the game midway through the third period. The rally would end at that point. Unfortunately, the offensively-talented Bandits rebounded with a pair of powerplay goals in a lightning-quick 21 seconds span.
Terriers received goals from Brett Orr, Braydon MacDonald and Shawn Bowles (shorthanded). Goaltender Josh Bykowski drew starting duties for the Terriers, with Nathan Park sitting on the bench in a the back-up role.
EXTRA POINTS: Chase Brakel, Dean Stewart and Nick Henry was not in the Terrier lineup on Wednesday. Brooks Bandits won the RBC Cup in 2013. Shawn Bowles finished the game with three points (1-2).