Panthers add corner POST

The Webster's Dictionary defines "Corner Post" as follows;  A square post supporting a structural member at the corner of a building.  And that definition concisely explains what the Peninsula Panthers believe they have obtained with the addition of 20-year-old forward and local Brentwood Bay resident Justin Post. 

The rugged 200 lb. power forward moved to the interior of British Columbia several years ago and played two years in the Kootenays with the Major Midget team from that area.  He then moved on to play in the KIJHL with Beaver Valley for part of a season before his rights were obtained by the Creston Thundercats who also toil in the KIJHL.  Post played the rest of his 18-year-old season as well as last season in Creston and was an Alternate Captain with a very good squad.  This current campaign, he stayed in Brentwood Bay and was out of the game.  But Post still had the urge to compete and on Wednesday came to terms with the local "Cats" in what will be a reunion for him with a number of players he went through Peninsula Minor Hockey with in years gone by. 

"It's nice to have Justin come back home to compete in his final few months in Junior Hockey with the Panthers," said General Manager and Owner Pete Zubersky.  "We are looking for him to add a ton of veteran leadership to a young Club, much in the way Matt Sheeran did when he came back here from the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League in his final season.  We really started to win when Matt arrived and I am hoping and believe that Justin can add that same component to an extremely young team.  He has not played for a while so I don't expect much until after Christmas and any on ice contributions during that time will be a bonus.  But I know that he can bring that experience and knowledge about how to be successful in the Junior game into our dressing room for our young guys and that is an asset we need.  Justin competes, he will pick up the compete level on this hockey club.  And when he gets some time in with the Club, he will be a huge asset on the ice as well.  He cares, he plays hard, we are lucky to have been able to acquire him today."

Post will start on the left side with 16-year-old Marty Westhaver in the middle and 17-year-old Cam Thompson on the right side, two young players with a huge upside.  With the addition, the Club will add some depth at the forward position however, they are not done tinkering with the lineup.

"We have until January 10th to make a move or two and we want to do just that," explained Zubersky.  "We would like to add another forward as well as a top 3 or 4 defenceman.  We have started to click as a group, I could see some energy and confidence in practice this week.  We play two big games against the Saanich Braves this weekend and I really want to see our compete level continue to go North.  We like our squad and have seen some real development with the young guys.  I believe Post and any other additions will help to further the development of the Club both on and off the ice."

The Panthers travel on Friday night and will be in Saanich to face the Braves and will be back at the friendly confines of the Panorama Recreation Centre on SATURDAY night - their only Saturday home date of the season.  With any luck, the puck should go off the POST and (w)in!  The puck drops at 7:30 pm.