The Niverville Nighthawks couldn’t muster enough offence in their 3–1 loss to the Portage Terriers on the road on Wednesday evening. The Nighthawks now move to fourth place in the MJHL’s East Division with a record of 11–6–1.
The Terriers scored a couple of goals on the power play in the first period to jump out to a 2–0 lead. They would add another goal in the second period to extend that lead, before Brendan Bottem got one back for Niverville early in the final frame.
Unfortunately, that was as close as the Nighthawks got.
Keegan Gordon stopped 24 shots in the Nighthawks goal.
“They had two power play goals early, and then we’re kind of just chasing the game from there,” said Nighthawks head coach Kelvin Cech. “Portage built some momentum and played well, but when we were five-on-five, it was just tight checking and close. When you get behind against a team like that, they lock it down pretty good and it’s tough to come back from. We kept with it and got some chances late, but one goal was obviously not enough. We have to look at the positives when you can and turn the page really quick and be ready to go next game.”
The Nighthawks are back in action with a pair of games on the weekend. They start on the road on November 10 against the Winnipeg Freeze (7:30 p.m.) before returning home to the CRRC for a Saturday night tilt with the Virden Oil Capitals (7:00 p.m.).
“We just need good starts to the game and bringing the energy early on and just play the game as it unfolds after that.”
