With a depleted lineup that included 5 regulars out of the lineup, the Oil Capitals did everything they could to get back into the series in Portage but fell in OT to go down 3-0 in the Semi Final Series.
For the first time this series, the Oil Capitals got on the board early and to open the scoring as the captain, Ben Dalke, got his third of the postseason, 55 seconds into the 1st frame to take an early 1-0 lead with assists going to Blake Sidoni and Kolten Kanaski. Portage would get the equalizer just a few minutes later, when Reece Henry would get his fourth of these playoffs, with a helper going to Kolton Shindle. However the same Oil Capitals trio would put the team up 2-1 going into the intermission as Blake Sidoni registered his second of the playoffs on the power play, this time assisted by Dalke and Kanaski.
The 2nd period seen lots of momentum turns and end to end action. The only scoring was just over two minutes to go when the Terrier’s, Sam Huston, scored on wrister from the top of circle shorthanded to tie the game up at 2-2 going into the 3rd period.
The 3rd was another end to end affair, but both goalies were sharp in their respective nets not allowing any goals. Brock Moroz for the Oil Capitals was thrust into action in game 2 when goaltender Riley Wallace went down with a lower body injury. The 16 year old Moroz, who played with the Pembina Valley Hawks of the Manitoba AAA Midget Hockey League, filled in admirably in the start in game 3. Yellowhead Chief’s product, and 1st overall MJHL draft pick from 2017, Jake Poole, also played some big minutes up the middle in his playoff debut.
For the 3rd time this playoff season, the Oil Capitals went to extra time. Unfortunately the Terrier’s captain, Ty Barnstable, would score the OT winner on a nice set up from Jay Buchholz and Chase Brakel at 6:20 of the extra frame.
“Obviously game 4 is our season here tomorrow. We feel our guys will push back and give ourselves an opportunity to win. Brock Moroz was fantastic last night and will need him to be solid tomorrow to give us a chance to win. Our guys played hard last night and did everything to get the win, but unfortunately we couldn’t get the winning goal. We gutted it out for 60 plus minutes and were real proud of the guys in the way the pushed back. We are down a few guys and whomever is playing tomorrow will be all in and ready to go.” Stated Oil Capitals coaching staff.
Oil Caps Tid Bits: Tanner Andrew is day to day with a LBI. Dalton Dosch is day to day with LBI. Riley Wallace is week to week with LBI. Brett Paddock is day to day with UBI. Austin Johnston is week to week with UBI. Jesse Mistlebacher didn’t dress. Blake Jacques and Bray Rookes are currently practicing with the hockey club.