Terriers blank Neepawa Natives

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Published on Thursday, October 9, 2014

Photo by Eoin Devereux

By Eoin Devereux

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In the latest CJHL national rankings, the Portage Terriers were selected the top junior "A" team in Canada. On Wednesday night, the Neepawa Natives found out first hand why.

Portage scored two powerplay goals and a shorthanded marker on the way to a 6-0 victory at the PCU Centre in Portage la Prairie. Tanner Jago and Zack Waldvogel lead the way for Portage with two points a piece, while Talor Joseph earned the shutout, stopping 21 shots. Neepawa Natives goaltender Alex Henry had a much busier night, facing 43 shots and stopping 37.

The game started out a relatively even matchup, but as the evening progressed the speed and aggressive play of the Terriers started to take its toll. Shifting into the second period, both teams began to get a bit more physical as well, leading to a third period with 120 minutes worth of penalties.

Neepawa did light the lamp in the second period, but it was disallowed by the officials for goaltender interference when Natives forward Drake Lindsay was pushed into the net by a Terriers defender.

The win improves Portage to 9-0 on the season while Neepawa falls to 3-5. The next game for the Natives will be on Friday, Oct. 10 in Brandon at Westamn Communications Group Place against the Virden Oil Capitals.

Photos by Eoin Devereux