The CanElson Drilling Estevan Bruins fell to 0-2 at the Crescent Point Energy Western Canada Cup (WCC) with 3-2 loss to the MJHL champion Portage Terriers at Affinity Place on Sunday evening.
MJHL leading scorer Brad Bowles got the winner 11:05 into the third period on a wraparound. Bruins defenceman Robby McClellan made the score close about seven minutes later, but the home side could not tie the game despite pressuring the Terriers with Bruins goalie Daniel Wapple out for the extra attacker.
Adam Wowryk opened the scoring 18:53 into a close back-and-forth first period with snap shot that went top corner glove side on Wapple. Shortly afterwards Bruins defenceman Charles Manley received an elbow to the head from Wowryk. Manley left the game after the play and did not return.
Bowles made the score 2-0 Portage 8:32 into the second period with the Terriers on a power play. After making a cross-crease pass to Chase Faulkner that bounced back over to Bowles, he buried the puck between Wapple's pad and the post.
Wapple proved his worth to the Bruins in the early moments of the third period making a number of key saves. Bruins centre Owen LaClare brought the Black and Gold to within one 5:50 into the third on a Nathan Park rebound that bounced to the bottom of the faceoff circle before Bowles put the game out of reach.
The Terriers improve to 2-0 with the win and will face the BCHL champion West Kelowna Warriors (1-1) on Tuesday afternoon. The Bruins will play the SJHL rival Melfort Mustangs (0-1) Tuesday evening.
