Portage Terriers have qualified for the playoff round of the Crescent Point Energy Western Canada Cup, thanks to a 3-2 win Sunday over host Estevan Bruins.
Terriers improved their record to 2-0, while the Bruins fell to 0-2. Two teams from the WCC will advance to the RBC Cup next month in Lloydminister.
“I thought it was a struggle of game,” Terriers’ GM/Head Coach Blake Spiller told CFRY-Radio. “It was strange. I didn’t think we were real smart and they weren’t real smart either. We spent a lot of time killing penalties.
“Our first period was probably our worst in a long time. It really was a special-team game. We’ll take the 2-0 record; looking forward to a day off on Monday. It definitely won’t be getting any easier as we move along.
“West Kelowna is big and physical,” said Spiller. “Brooks seems real quick. It’s definitely going to be a challenge for us. It was our goal to play on Saturday, so we have to be happy about that. But we still have a lot of work to do.”
Terriers’ captain Brad Bowles led the winners with a pair of goals, while Adam Wowryk rounded out the scoring. Terriers’ netminder Nathan Park was kept busy, having his shutout snapped early in the third period.
Terriers successfully held off a late-rally by the Bruins, who pulled within one with less than two minutes remaining.
The WCC field is rounded out by Brooks (AJHL), West Kelowna (BC) and Melfort (SJHL).
Terriers are off on Monday, returning to the ice Tuesday afternoon against West Kelowna.
EXTRA POINTS: Terriers are the youngest team at the WCC with an average age of 18.2. Estevan is the oldest team with an average age of 19.6. Brad Bowles was awarded Player of the Game award. Terriers’ playoff game is Saturday.
