Panthers edged 3-2 against the visiting Comox Valley Glacier Kings

The Comox Valley Glacer Kings invaded the confines of the Panorama Recreation Centre on Friday night to take on the Peninsula Panthers in VIJHL action and left on the right side of a 3-2 score.  A marker with just under 14 minutes left in the game by Glacier Kings Tyson Slater held up to be the winner in an exciting game that went end to end all evening long.

The Panthers wasted no time opening the scoring when right after the drop of the puck to start the game Cameron Thompson walked in and beat Glacier Kings netminder Calder Stark with a long snap shot.  Only 8 seconds had been played.  But it would be Glacier Kings Kyle Keeder who would knot the score at 1-1 scoring a power play goal with a shot from the left point that beat Panthers goaltender Alex Olson at the 13:30 mark.  Both teams exchanged some chances but the score remained the same after 20 minutes were in the books.

The Panthers went on the Power Play however at the 8:00 minute mark Glacier Kings Brayden McCartney gathered up a loose puck and beat Olson with a snap shot.  It did not take the home squad long to respond.  Garnett Roberts gathered in a puck near his own zone and sent a pass up to Thompson who was alone on the right side.  Thompson pushed the puck to Kai Turner who streaked in on the right side and ripped a wrist shot that Stark seemed to block.  The puck fell to the ice and rolled just several inches past the line as players from both squads crashed the net.  The goal tied the game at 2-2 to set up an exciting 3rd period.

Both teams battled early and Panthers Michael Sproule banged Glacier Kings Angus Labree into the wall in the Kings zone.  Labree took exception to the hit and the two went toe-to-toe, each giving and taking several blows.  Neither were hurt and both combatants were given a huge cheer from the local crowd as they were escourted off the ice heading for an early shower.  After the Slater marker gave the Glacier Kings the lead the Panthers applied more pressure however Stark held firm.  Olson was pulled in the last minute of play and in a frantic final few seconds the Panthers had several great chances to tie the game but were once again stymied by Stark.

Stark faced 27 shots in picking up the win while Olson handled 21 shots in a losing effort.  Stark was named the games 1st star.  Sproule played perhaps his best game of the season and was prominent in a physical role was the 2nd star while gritty defenceman Matt Forbes picked up the 3rd star selection.  Forbes has been out of the lineup for several games before returning this week and he did not miss a beat.

The Panthers travel to tangle with the Oceanside Generals on Saturday before they return to face the Victoria Cougars at home next Friday night at the Panorama Recreation Centre.  The puck is set to drop at 7:30 pm.