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Terriers 'getting momentum now'

Blank Broncos to send series back to Humboldt

By: Ed Tait

Posted: 04/27/2012 1:00 AM | Comments: 0

TREVOR HAGAN / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Terriers goaltender Adam Iwan makes a save during Game 5 of the ANAVET Cup series against the Humboldt Broncos at the PCU Centre in Portage la Prairie Thursday.

PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE -- The Portage Terriers returned home from Humboldt six days ago physically tuckered out and with their collective tails between their legs.

And now, after having grabbed two of three on home ice in the ANAVET Cup, they return to Saskatchewan having transformed into something entirely different -- just call them 'beasts unleashed.'

Backed by outstanding goaltending from Adam Iwan, the Terriers clawed back into the ANAVET Cup series courtesy a 1-0 win Thursday night in front of 785 diehards at at the Portage Credit Union Centre. The Broncos still lead the best-of-seven series 3-2, but with consecutive victories the Terriers have breathed new life into a match-up that once had sweep written all over it for the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League champions.

"I feel like we're just getting momentum now," said Iwan, who kicked out 26 shots for the shutout and stifled Broncos shooters by stopping 92 of 96 in the three games in Portage. "All three games at home we came out with a great showing. Each win we get, more confidence comes back to the group. We didn't lose too many back-to-back during the regular season. The confidence is back and if we keep playing like we're playing we'll be fine going into Humboldt."

Game 6 and, if necessary, Game 7, are in Humboldt on Saturday and Sunday. Regardless of the outcome on the weekend, both clubs have already advanced to the RBC Cup, to be hosted by the Broncos beginning next week. This is also the last ANAVET Cup, as the series will be abandoned next year in favour of a Western championship that will see the champs of the SJHL, MJHL, BCHL and AJHL compete to send two teams to the RBC Cup.

In Game 5, both Iwan and Broncos' netminder Matt Hrynkiw were outstanding in what amounted to a goalie duel. The only goal of the game came midway through the third period when Tyler Anton's point shot found the net after sailing through a maze of arms and legs in front of Hrynkiw.

"I just saw an opening and the shot found its way through," said Anton. "It's nice to get the game-winner. We've been pretty good in our own zone lately, we've really been working on that, and Iwan has made some huge saves lately. He's been spectacular. He's probably been the biggest key to our playoffs so far.

"I think (Humboldt) is probably a little scared now. It's going to be a good Game 6 back in Humboldt. If we just stick to our game right now... everyone's working hard and on board."

Still without captain Andrew Wiebe and forward Dylan Butler, the Terriers are hoping to not only defend their ANAVET Cup title, but get healthy for this weekend and beyond in Humboldt. Most importantly, the club has shown some backbone in the last few days.

"It's one of those series that is starting to get tighter checking and starting to get a little bit ornery and is starting to turn into a battle now," said Terriers GM/head coach Blake Spiller. "You never really know, but I've been around these guys long enough to know they've got good character. (Wednesday) night they played hard because they didn't want to get swept. And tonight they had it in them that they didn't want to let them win in Portage."

ed.tait@freepress.mb.ca Twitter: @WFPEdTait

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition April 27, 2012 C4

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