The Portage Terriers scored four unanswered goals while handing the Winkler Flyers a 5-2 loss at home. Tristan Keck and Zak Hicks scored for Winkler and Connor Hamonic had a pair of assists as the Flyers lose for just the fourth time at home this season.
Two days removed from ending their losing streak with a win over the visiting Winnipeg Blues, the second place Flyers welcomed the MJHL’s top club for their second last meeting of the regular season. Winkler had a (1-2-1) record in their previous four meetings against Portage.
After trading chances in the first period, Tristan Keck ripped home his league leading 28th goal of the season with 4:34 to play before the break. Connor Hamonic and Patrice Wren picked up the assists and the Flyers led 1-0.
With 1:43 to go in the period, the Terriers tied the game at one. Dasan Sydora had a strong opening frame as the Terriers outshot Winkler 14-8 through the first 20 minutes.
The Flyers took the lead back just over two minutes into the second period when Connor Hamonic slid the puck over to Zak Hicks who scored his fourth of the season. Jeff Michiels drew the second assist.
Portage tied the game again, 8:14 into the period when Zach Waldvogel scored a power-play goal. Just under two minutes later, the game turned for Winkler. At the 10:01 mark of the period, the Terriers appeared to score again. The goal was initially waved off by the official, but was later called a good goal, giving the Terriers a 3-2 lead.
Portage took their one goal lead into the second intermission while outshooting the Flyers 27-16.
Winkler played better in the third period but could not get back into the game. The Terriers would add two more in the period and skate away with the 5-2 victory.
Dasan Sydora (16-4-1) took the loss in goal making 30 saves as the Terriers outshot the Flyers 35-27. Winkler went 0-for-3 on the power-play and 6-for-8 on the penalty-kill.
The Flyers (20-9-5) will complete their three game homestand on Friday, December 12th when they host the Dauphin Kings (7:30pm). The game is VISP “Free for All” night where all fans will get into the game free of charge and the first 1000 fans through the door will receive a Winkler Flyers/VISP cowbell. There will also be some great prizes available. You won’t want to miss this one.
NOTE: Scott Gall, Jordan Wall, Evan Last and Nolan McGuire all missed the game due to injury. Jordan MaCausland, Coltyn Bates and Robert Hechler of the Brandon AAA Wheat Kings made their Flyers debut on Tuesday and played well.