Poland joins Panthers leadership group

"I remember vividly last season when a PMHA Atom player from Galiano Island told me that Josh Poland was his favourite player," said Head Coach Rob Mortin.  "I asked Josh if he would mind talking to the player.  He took the young fellow and chatted with him and made him feel what it's like to be a Panther.  The father came up to me weeks later and thanked me and the Panthers Hockey Club and said that his son wanted to play for the Peninsula Panthers.  It's easy to see that Josh is a leader on the ice but this is also the type of leadership that we look for in our players - leadership off the ice.  He is a true Panthers player and I was excited to let him know this evening that we wanted him to wear a letter for us this season."

And with that statement and the move, Mortin and the Organization said everything they needed to say.  Josh Poland will wear an "A" for the Club this coming 2015/16 season and the 19-year-old should prove to be a great leader on a youthful squad.  Mortin had a few more words about Poland.

"Josh brings a deep desire to compete and bring his best game every time he steps on the ice.  He will be a great compliment to our Captain Spencer Loverock and our other Assistant Captain Drayson Lum.  I still have to come to terms as to who will wear the final "A", that is still out there but we will get this nailed down before our Home Opener on September 4th against the Saanich Braves," explained the Head Coach.

Poland was excited when contacted by Mortin.  "It's an honour and I can't wait for August when our camp starts.  I'm looking forward to a great year with a great group of guys!  I feel this year's team has the ability to do very well and I'm going to continue to play my game while in my new leadership role.  With the returning group we have coming back this year along with the talented new additions, this year is looking very promising and I am excited to get the year started," said the obviously excited goal scorer.

Poland and the Panthers will open camp on August 4th.  The Club will play a couple of exhibition games late in August as they prepare to host the Saanich Braves in a home-and-home series on September 4th and 5th to open up the 2015/16 VIJHL campaign.