Rookie Jeremey Leipsic scored a pair of goals in leading his Portage Terriers to a 3-0 win over Steinbach Pistons before 1,400 fans at the PCU Centre on Wednesday.
The win gives the defending MJHL/RBC Cup champion a 3-0 lead in their best-of-seven Turnbull Trophy series. Game 4 goes Sunday night in Steinbach.
“I thought it was a struggle for us,” Terriers’ GM/Head Coach Blake Spiller told CFRY-Radio.
“Steinbach really brought their best effort of the series. We couldn’t make plays early. Obviously (Nathan) Park was huge for us tonight. He really played well for us.”
“This was a huge win for us,” said Spiller. “We didn’t want to go back to Steinbach with the series 2-1. It was huge for us knowing we’re going in up 3-0 going into their building, which is not an easy place to win. Hopefully we’ll be ready to go early and see what happens. I thought we looked a bit nervous and tired. A day off tomorrow will be good for our guys.”
Nathan Park, who was the MJHL RBC Player of the week, was unbeatable in the Terrier net, recording the shutout. With the Terriers’ protecting a two-goal lead, Park came up big when he stopped a penalty shot.
Blueliner Dean Stewart rounded out the Terrier scoring with a powerplay goal midway late in the third period.
EXTRA POINTS: The pair of goals for Leipsic now gives the Winnipeg native a total of eight in the post season…With a couple of assists on Wednesday, Terrier captain Brad Bowles has now extended his points streak to 24 games. Rookie Nick Henry left the game in the first period due to an upper-body injury. Spiller said he’ll have to be evaluated to determine if he can play on Sunday. With their 3-0 win in Game 2, Terriers have gone eight periods without giving up a goal. CFRY’s Hardest Working Player of Game was given to Nathan Park.
