"Cats" from the Peninsula gearing up for Season Opener

The Peninsula Panthers commenced on-ice workouts in the first week in August for young prospects however, some of the returning veterans and a sprinkling of newly signed additions have also been involved in the skates.

"We are only going a couple times a week," explained General Manager, Pete Zubersky.  "There are various types of players involved at this point in August.  We have some young kids who will certainly be returning to Minor Hockey however, they want to get some experience with Junior players.  Three of these young kids are Riley Braun, Jonah Ragsdale and Logan Speirs, all 15-year-olds who played Bantam last season with the Peninsula Minor Hockey Association.  These kids really look good.  They have wide eyes and are taking everything in and all three have a great crack at playing Junior next season.  We would like to affiliate all three, get them out to practice during the season and help with their development and they are certainly in the future plans.

Zubersky has signed a number of young players coming out of the Major Midget Victoria Royals, Pacific Coast Hockey Academy, Okanagan Hockey Academy, Peninsula and Saanich Minor Hockey.  "We really like the young kids we have signed, all of whom can skate and will add energy to the club this season.  We have not seen all of them out on the ice just yet, but they continue to trickle in and once we get them together with the returning players we should have the makings of a good roster."

The Club is looking at several other potential players during the on-ice sessons, several of which look to have some upside.  "Yes, there are a few kids out here that are still looking to crack the squad.  We certainly do not have our roster set in stone and there is room for some movement.  We still have four weeks until we open up at home against the Saanich Braves and it will all come together in the next couple of weeks. 

The Panthers will play a home and home pair of exhibition games against the Westshore Wolves on Friday, August 26th at the Panorama Recreation Centre at 6:00 pm and then will return to face the Wolves at the JDF Arena on Sunday afternoon, August 28th.