Portage Terriers got off to a good start at the Sun Life Financial Western Canada Cup with a 5-3 win over Battleford North Stars (SJHL) Sunday night at Penticton. Terriers are back on the ice Monday (May 1) night against BCJHL representative Chilliwack Chiefs.
North Stars rallied late in the third period, scoring a pair of goals in 71 seconds to pull within one goal: 4-3. However, Terriers’ Ty Enns ended the suspense when he scored an empty net goal in the dying seconds.
“They (North Stars) had a late push,” Terriers’ Assistant Coach Paul Harland told CFRY-Radio. “We called a timeout to settle our guys down. The empty netter sealed the win. We gained some confidence today. As the guys get a bit more comfortable here, they will realize that we can compete, we’ll have a chance. We need all 20 guys to battle.”
Chase Brakel and MacKenzie Dwyer led the MJHL champions with a pair of goals apiece. In total, the Terriers scored three powerplay goals. Goaltender Kurtis Chapman once again played outstanding, turning aside a number of North Star attacks.
Brakel, who hails from Winnipeg, was named Player of the Game.
Two teams from the WCC will advance to the RBC Cup next month in Cobourg, Ont. The Manitoba champs must finish in the top four to qualify for next weekend’s playoff round.
North Stars are now 0-2 after two starts; losing Saturday to host Penticton.
Photo credit: Heather Jordan
