The Portage Terriers rebounded from a tough loss last Sunday with a bounce-back win over the Neepawa Natives at the MJHL Showcase in Winnipeg on Friday.

The Terriers won the game 4-0, receiving goals from Tyler Anton and Dylan Butler in the first period while getting goals from Lyndon Lipinski and Matt Glowa later in the game.

The Dogs pounded the net as well and made good on two power play opportunities in the win.

On Saturday, the Terriers went to battle with the OCN Blizzard, the team responsible for their only loss on the year.

Goalie Mitch Wiebe got the start in this one and was lights out for most of the contest, making save after save to hold the fort for the Terriers.

After Lipinski scored in the first period, the Terriers kept the heat on the Blizzard until the tail end of the third period when OCN scored a goal to tie it up.

Overtime settled nothing and the Terriers went to a shootout and lost 2-1.

Head coach Blake Spiller said he was happy with his team's effort, adding that the one goal allowed throughout the tournament was an encouraging sign.

"I thought we played well on both nights. I thought we got good goaltending; we only gave up one goal in two games," said Spiller.

"I thought we played pretty steady of the weekend and we hope to continue to get some consistency out of our guys."

With their roster still at 25 guys, the Terriers added some new blood to their defensive line with Dylan Kuzek and Matt Alexander, who fuelled the team's back-end in both games.

"Dylan Kuzek and Matt Alexander brought us some stability in our defensive core and we really played well against Neepawa and OCN. We had enough chances to win that last game. Wiebe played really well and unfortunately we didn't get a win for him," said Spiller.

Playing in his first game this season, Wiebe made 31 saves in the shootout loss. Spiller said he was pleased with his effort against the Blizzard.

"We made a defensive coverage mistake in our own zone but for the most part, I thought we played solid for the six periods that we were there, plus the overtime," he said.

"I thought (Wiebe) was solid. He made some real key saves. He faced 30 shots so you know you're going to have some tough ones but he played well for his first game and for his first start in junior, he was steady and square to the shooters. He gave us a chance to win."

With some encouraging signs coming out of the showcase, the Terriers continue to evaluate their roster as a cut down to 23 men is due on Dec. 1.

Still, the Terriers will look to continue their winning ways against the Winkler Flyers on Tues. Oct. 9 at the PCU Centre.

"We still have 25 guys here so we still have to make some decisions on our lineup here. We'll have some different guys in the lineup and hopefully we can make some decisions here in the next little bit," said Spiller.

jordan.maxwell@sunmedia.ca