Panthers tinker with roster ahead of Exhibition tilt on Friday evening

The Peninsula Panthers made a roster move on Tuesday afternoon when General Manager Pete Zubersky dealt 20-year-old forward Grayden Hohl to the Victoria Cougars in what reportedly was a cash transaction.  Hohl played his 18-year-old season on the Peninsula before heading down to a Western United States Jr. A League last season.  Midway through the 2015/16 campaign the crafty Forward returned to the Peninsula and finished out the season.  He requested a trade to the crosstown rival Cougars earlier this summer.  The two Clubs had been in discussions over the past several weeks before Zubersky pulled the trigger today.

"Grayden Hohl was good for our Organization however, when he indicated he wanted a move I attempted to get it done," said General Manager Pete Zubersky.  The Cougars are an older group and Grayden wanted a chance to make the move in his final year of Junior Hockey and I was fine with that.  He has good character and was maintenance-free throughout his time with our Organization and we all wish him the best."

With the move, the Panthers open up room in their top 6 for a young player and that was important to Zubersky.  "We want kids out here who want to be out here," said the GM.  "We signed some young kids who can flat out fly and I want them to develop.  I believe our fans will be highly entertained with the Club we have put together and we still have some final touches that have to be completed."

The Panthers inked 17-year-old Saanich Minor Hockey product Jarrod Lucoe shortly after the Hohl trade was completed.  Lucoe fits in with what Zubersky has envisioned, that being young, fast and energy players.  "Lucoe was thrilled when I called him today," said Zubersky.  "The young fellow has been looking great in camp and he can really get up and down the sheet.  Our fans will love this kid and his efforts."

The Panthers will put Lucoe and a host of other newly signed players as well as returning players on full display on Friday night when they play host to the visiting Westshore Wolves in Exhibition action.  Gametime at the Panorama Recreation Centre is set for 6:00 pm.