GAME REPORT - MJHL PORTAGE TERRIERS VS VIRDEN OIL CAPITALS
October 9 2020 - MJHL Virden Oil Capitals (4) vs Portage Terriers (2)
The majority of the first period was a chess match between the Portage Terriers and Virden Oil Capitals. Both teams continued to work hard in the neutral zone and defensively, with few scoring chances resulting in a chance on goal. Both Cole Johnston for Portage and Kyle Kozma for Virden were calm and steady in goal, making the key saves when needed.
With 5 minutes left in the opening period, Virden would find themselves on the powerplay, looking to open the scoring. As the puck was wrapped up to the point, Virden Forward Hunter Cloutier threw a hard, but legal, reverse hit, took the newly opened ice, and slipped a beautiful pass under a defenders stick to find Hunter Anger on the far faceoff dot. Anger wired a high wrister, and the Oil Capitals were off celebrating with the 1-0 lead.
Toward the end of the first, Portage would get its chance on the powerplay, and would strike with under 1 minute left when defenseman Kian Calder walked down from his point, and fired a shot through a screen glove side, tying the game at 1-1.
The second period included more higher quality chances, as the play began to open up a bit. As in the first, both goaltenders continued to make key saves and battle hard for their teams. Virden would take the lead after a Oil Capital neutral zone turnover quickly transitioned in a 2 on 1 for Virden. Portage’s Cole Johnston made a great first save, however Virden’s Tyler Thoendel found the loose rebound in front and fired home his first of the year.
Portage would get its chances, both 5 on 5 and on the powerplay, but Kyle Kozma was a rock for his team.
Virden would hang on to their lead for the rest of the period, and would add to it with under a minute left. After being denied on a breakaway, Hunter Cloutier picked up his rebound from the corner, and facilitated another great scoring chance. After a save on the initial shot, a rebound popped right back onto the stick of Cloutier, coming down from the high slot. He took no chances, and one timed the puck home to give the Oil Capitals a 3-1 lead.
The third began more defensively, with both teams battling hard to find the important next goal. Portage would bring the game within one half way through the period when Tayson McLean found a pocket of open space in the slot and fired home a centering pass from Ryan Hofer from behind the net. The shortened deficit was short lived however, after Virden was given a powerplay minutes later. Conor Geekie brought the puck through the neutral zone with speed, and pushed the puck to the half wall, and drove for the net. Geekie’s drive opened the perfect passing lane for Dylan Halliday to find Josh Belcher to finish off the beautiful play, 4-2 Virden.
For the remainder of the period, Portage would get their chances, but could not find a way past Kozma. Even after ending the game with the powerplay, the game would end Virden Oil Capitals 4, Portage Terriers 2.
Top Players
Ryan Hofer - (‘02) Forward - #15 Portage Terriers 6’2” 170 lbs - Hofer plays a rough, in your face type of game, with skills offensively. He jumps for loose pucks below the goal line, and is ready to take the beating in front of the net. Hofer finished with 2 assists on the day, and showed he can operate best in the lower third of the offensive zone.
Hunter Cloutier - (‘00) Forward - #13 Virden Oil Capitlas 5’9 170 lbs - Cloutier showed his skill all over the ice. He is a very well rounded player, especially when it comes to offensive instincts and reading of plays. His release is quick when he decides to pull the trigger, but with some development in his defensive instincts and acceleration, Cloutier could be an exciting prospect.
Kyle Kozma - (‘01) Goaltender - #35 Virden Oil Capitals 6’3 190 lbs - Kozma was the rock for his team, especially on the penalty kill. Kyle uses a very technical approach, and is extremely calm in all situations. His skating could be more powerful, but patient feet and fundamentally sound throughout his movements.Kozma’s post play and coverage are his best attributes, moving effortlessly and taking down large amounts of a shot’s angle.