A night to forget in Portage la Prairie

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Published on Thursday, October 1, 2015

By Eoin Devereux

Neepawa Banner/Neepawa Press

If there is any positives that came out of the Neepawa Natives 8-0 loss to the Portage Terriers on Wednesday, Sept. 30, it’s that it happened early enough in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League season that they can hopefully put it behind them.

Neepawa found itself outmatched by the reigning RBC Cup champions, in particular, by the dynamic combo of Brad and Shawn Bowles of Elkhorn, who combined for eight points on the evening. Brad registered three goals and an assist, while Shawn tallied four helpers. Nick Henry also had a big night for the Terriers, getting a pair of goal and adding two assists.

In total, Portage generated 47 shots on goal, including 19 in the opening period. Neepawa, meanwhile, tallied a grand total of seven shot for the entire game, one in the opening frame, two in the second and four in the final 20 minutes.

The evening was a penalty filled affair as well, with each team combining for 26 trips to the box. The Natives ended the game 0-for-15 on the power-play, while Portage went 2-for-11.

Neepawa has little time to dwell on the disappointment of the game, as the focus turns to the Old Dutch/MJHL Showcase in Winnipeg, which begins on Thursday, Oct. 1. The first game for the Natives is Friday, Oct. 2, at 3:00 pm against the Virden Oil Capitals. Game two for the Natives is Saturday, Oct. 3, versus the Winkler Flyers. That game is also scheduled for 3:00 pm.