Portage Terriers

Record: (29-17-6-4) 68 points - Third in Sher-Wood Conference.

Forwards:

The Terriers have an opportunistic and capable group of forwards who have the ability to bring a threatening offensive attack on a moment to moment basis. They have several opportunistic forwards, including Shaq Merasty and Tyler Moore. The Terriers will attempt to grind and wear down their opponents and attempt to outwork their opposition.

 

Defence:

The Terriers have a capable and effective defence unit. Former Native Zak Tully has the ability to advance the puck up the ice, while Justin Minoletti and Justin Perreaux are able to play a composed and disciplined style. 

Goal:

 

1990 born Jordan Washburn and 1992 born Jason Kasdorf have the ability to impact games. Washburn arrived in a trade with Melfort of the SJHL, while Kasdorf was developed in the Manitoba AAA league. The Portage goaltending tandem has been a highly underrated, yet very important factor for the team this season.

Intangibles:

It is a tribute to Blake Spiller, Portage's head coach, that his team is currently making a major thrust toward a second place position in the division. A rebuild this season, has turned into an effective chase for a home ice playoff position. The team's strength is the 'it' factor. The 'it' in this case, is how Spiller continues to get winning efforts and timely goals from a somewhat inexperienced group. Spiller must be a consideration for MJHL coach of the year.

 

Neepawa Natives

Record: (29-23-0-3) 61 points - Fourth Place in Sher-Wood Conference. Seven points back of Portage with one game in hand.

Forwards:

The Natives rely on a complete team effort. All four forward units have specific roles and have been given room to manouver in certain situations, but it is the team's attention to systematic detail that has been responsible for the season's on ice successes. Any number of Natives can step up on a given night. It is the team's work ethic and assertiveness on the ice that has become its benchmark.

Defence:

Natives' coach Bryant Perrier has been very pleased with and complimentary of his six man defence unit. The group has size, mobility and moves the puck with effectiveness. The Neepawa defence also limits the amount of turnovers in their own end to a minimum. The team also likes to punish puck carriers when they challenge them down low.

Goal:

 

Matt Krahn will get the start against his old team. He has won three of five starts against Portage, and is coming off a shut out in his last start against last year's MJHL champs. Krahn has victories in three of his last four starts - including two wins against Selkirk and one against Winnipeg Saints.


Intangibles:

The Natives are a team in every sense of the word. Their work ethic has become a part of their trademark and the team has learned to play the game effectively at a frenetic pace. The club is able to combine great speed and intensity with a highly intelligent style of play. The club needs to be physical and assertive in order to be successful.

 

Season Series: Natives have won four of the first seven games.

Last Meeting: Natives shut out Terriers 3-0 at home.