Jordan Kawaguchi’s shorthanded tally lifted the Chilliwack Chiefs past the Portage Terriers 2-1 Monday at the South Okanagan Events Centre.
The victory for the Chiefs over the Manitoba Junior Hockey League champs is their first in the 2017 Western Canada Cup, presented by Sun Life Financial. The Chiefs are now in second-place in the standings with three points.
Following a scoreless opening period in which the Chiefs were outshot 8-3, all the offence came in the middle frame when Nolan Zweep and Justin Dixson set up Tommy Lee five minutes into the period. The Terriers struck back just over seven minutes later as Jeremey Leipsic and Chase Brakel set up James McIsaac. Kawaguchi’s winner came while Jake Smith was in the box for hooking.
Related: Bandits down Chiefs in WCC opener
Kawaguchi was named the first star, while McIsaac earned the second star and Chiefs goalie Mark Sinclair was the third star for his 27-save performance. Sinclair made 10 saves in the final frame.
The Chiefs penalty kill was strong going 4-for-4.
Attendance for the game was 1,700. The Chiefs are back in action Tuesday against the Penticton Vees at 7 p.m.