THREE-GOAL FIRST PERIOD LEADS SLAMMERS TO FIRST-EVER RBC CUP WIN

Press Release

HUMBOLDT, Sask. – Robert Visca scored once and added an assist, both in a three-goal first period, as the Woodstock Slammers earned their first-ever win at the RBC Cup with a 4-1 victory over the Portage Terriers on Monday night.

The win evened the Slammers’ record at 1-1 and dropped the Terriers to the same. With all five teams having played twice in the first three days, the Slammers, Terriers and Soo Thunderbirds sit in a three-way tie for second with .500 records.

Andrew Langan, Ben MacSwain and Ryan Purvis had the other goals for Woodstock, which opened up a 4-0 lead early in the third period. Nick Huard added a pair of assists for the East Region champions, who outshot Portage 13-5 in the pivotal first period, and 35-28 overall.

Visca opened the scoring just 55 seconds in and Langan and MacSwain scored just 79 seconds apart late in the first period as the Slammers grabbed an early lead they would not relinquish.

Andrew Wiebe scored the lone marker for Portage, spoiling Matt Murphy’s shutout bid early in the third period. The Terriers were back on the ice just over 24 hours after Wiebe ended one of the longest games in tournament history with his double-overtime winner against the Soo.

Portage failed in its bid to win back-to-back games at the national championship for the first time since winning its lone national title in 1973, spanning three visits.

Woodstock gets right back to action on Tuesday night, taking on the Penticton Vees (7:30 p.m. MT), while Portage will look to get back in the win column Wednesday when it faces the Vees (7:30 p.m. MT).

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)