The Oil Capitals faced a “Hungry” Terrier team in Portage Monday afternoon. The Terriers rattled off three in a row (Joey Moffat – 22nd, Jared Roy – 8th, and Chase Brakel – 6th) before Tanner McKechnie got his 9th of the campaign to get the Oil Caps to within 2 before the 1st period ended. Halliday and Park added assists. Portage outshot Virden 12-4 in the 1st.
19-year old Kolten Kanaski closed the gap to 3-2, scoring his team leading 32nd of the season unassisted. Unfortunately that was as close as the Oil Capitals would get on the afternoon. Ty Barnstable notched his 24th in the 2nd period, and Chase Brakel got his second of the afternoon into an empty net to make the final 5-2 for Portage.
It was a fairly uneventful afternoon, with only 4 minor penalties called. Dalton Dosch took the loss for Virden, stopping 16 of 20, while Portage’s Ethan Peterson, got the winning, with 16 saves.
“Tonight was a much tighter defensive game compared to last week’s game vs Portage in Virden as reflected by the shots on goal. We had a rough 1st period allowing two goals in the opening minutes. We were able to elevate our play in the 2nd period, creating some good odd man rushes and scoring chances. We were really solid defensively in the 2nd and 3rd periods allowing 9 total shots but we could have directed more shots at their goaltender.” Alluded Troy Leslie, Head Coach/GM.
Oil Capitals Tid Bits: Prior to the game, Virden’s Kolten Kanaski, was named the MJHL’s Recycle Everywhere Player of the Week. Kanaski had 3 goals and 6 assists on the week while helping Virden to 3 consecutive victories. Brock Shwaluk missed the contest with an UBI, and is day to day. Jesse Mistelbacher and Parker Brakebill didn’t dress.
Next up for the Oil Capitals: The Oil Capitals face off against the visiting Winnipeg Blues, Thursday on Billet Appreciation Night! puck drop is 7:30pm for that contest.