**Photo courtesy of www.portageonline.com
September 27
Portage, MB – The Virden Oil Capitals dropped to 0-2 to start the MJHL Regular Season after a 3-0 loss against the defending champs on Sunday night.
It was a celebratory night at PCU Centre as the Terriers raised their Championship Banners from last season. The pre-game ceremony included current Caps d-man Davis Ross, who was a member of the Terriers last season.
Once the puck dropped, it was all Oil Caps. Trying to bounce back from a loss at home the Caps had plenty of energy and opportunity in the first period but a late goal from Nick Henry swung the momentum in the Dogs favour.
The Terriers carried the play for the majority of the final 40, with the Caps earning just a hand full of quality scoring chances. Terriers net minder Nathan Park kicked aside all 19 shots he saw for his first MJHL shutout.
Patrick Zubick made his MJHL debut in net for Virden and was arguably the best player on the ice. After robbing Shawn Bowles on the doorstep in the middle of the 2nd period, Bowles circled back around and was fed a great pass from Nick Henry and snapped home his first of the night to make it 2-0.
The Oil Caps had a number of power play opportunities, including a 5 on 3 but couldn’t muster any offence. Their best chance of the game, came on a shorthanded breakaway by Nolan Ross, who ultimately missed the net.
Chase Brackel would put the game away in the third with his first of the season.
Zubick turned aside 26 shots and was named the player of the game on the Oil Caps broadcast.
The Caps went 0/4 on the power play and now sit at 0/10 to start the season with the man advantage.
Its a quick turnaround however as Virden will welcome the 2-0 Swan Valley Stampeders tomorrow night.
Its Fridge Magnet Giveaway night so get to the rink early.
Game time is 7:30.
Catch all the action at www.gametimeradio.ca with Ray Walker and Ryan Potter.
Scoring Summary
1st Period:
PTG – Nick Henry (1) (B.Bowles, S.Bowles)
2nd Period:
PTG – Shawn Bowles (2) (Henry, B.Bowles)
3rd Period:
PTG – Brackel (Orr, Carter)
Final Shots – 29 PTG 19 VOC
Special Teams - 0/4 PTG 0/4 VOC
Attendance – 716