Quick goals help hockey to defeat Portage
Portage College made the long trek down to Caronport for a two game series against the Briercrest Clippers this weekend. Today the home team was victorious, skating to a 6-3 win.
The game started slow for the Clippers and saw Portage take an early lead with a goal from Ryan Symington at 2:44 into the opening frame. Clipper newcomer Caleb Grandfield fed Tyrell Bourk for the tying goal at the halfway point and the period ended in a 1-1 score. Shots for the first period were 11-7 in favour of the visitors and three penalties a side were handed out.
The second period saw an outstanding save by Briercrest's netminder but he could not keep the ensuing rebound out and Portage once again, took an early lead in the period. Seconds later the Clippers' newest member responded, tying the game and the team never looked back. Switching the goaltenders did not help the visitors as Zachary Vanderwal and Jarrett Marks added to the score and the period ended with a 4-2 score for the Clippers. Shots in the second were 12-6 for the home team and minor penalties were 3-1 for Portage.
Portage scored a power play goal, making a valiant effort to catch the Clippers but two goals in less than a minute by Halen Cordoni and Russ Olson sealed the deal and Briercrest came away with a 6-3 win. Shots on net were 15-10 for the Clippers and minor penalties assessed were 4-3 for Portage who also took a 5 minute major early in the 3rd period.
Player of the game for Briercrest was Caleb Grandfield with a goal and an assist and Portage's Ryan Symington received the honours with a goal and assist as well.
After the game, Andrew Sorenson commented on the win, admitting they came out slow but improved to finish strong. They are looking to take that momentum into tomorrow's rematch.