Panthers knocked off 4-1 by Storm in a scrappy affair

The Peninsula Panthers are young but as they entered the 2nd half of the season on Friday night in the friendly confines of the Panorama Recreation Centre, a more determined group has clearly surfaced.  And this was abundantly evident as they gave the visiting Campbell River Storm everything they could handle, albeit, dropping a hard-fought 4-1 decision.

"Our kids really seem to be turning the corner," said General Manager Pete Zubersky.  "We knocked off Nanaimo 1-0 in their barn a couple weeks ago and then last Friday handed the Glacier Kings a 4-3 loss here in our building.  I thought we deserved to win last Sunday in Oceanside but there were a couple goals that we probably would have liked back in that one.  Tonight we were tentative for the first seven or eight minutes to open the game and quickly found ourselves down 2-0.  We made a goaltending change and then Joe Stafford-Veale scored seven minutes in and we found our legs.  It was a great game from that point.  We just did not believe in ourselves early but once Joe potted one, everyone seemed to relax and it was a great game.  We play another big one tomorrow night in Kerry Park against the Islanders."

The puck dropped and Storm's Trevor Bottemley quickly opened the scoring at 3:49 followed up only 33 seconds later by Reid Wheeldon.  The first goal seemed to be right at Panthers' starter Shawn Parkinson however, it somehow found its way past him.  And Wheeldon chased a puck down to the left of Parkinson and somehow tucked it past the lanky goaltender and that would prove to be his night.  Liam Tutte came in off the bench and although he had missed the past three weeks due to an injury, he slammed the door shut to give his Club a chance.  Stafford-Veale brought the Panthers to within a goal at 2-1 at the 7:46 mark when he raced down the left side and snapped a shot past a surprised Chris Smith who was making the start for the Storm between the pipes.  Both teams exchanged some chances but they went to the intermission at 2-1 Storm.

Sheldon Brett opened up a two-goal lead for the Storm when he beat Tutte at the 6:18 mark of the middle stanza and then the diminutive but highly skilled Colin Blake roared around a Panthers defenceman and at the 15:43 mark beat Tutte high to the short side.

As the buzzer sounded to end the second stanza, a melee broke out to the left of Tutte.  Both Clubs were sent to the dressing rooms and although there were no majors, the Storm ended up on the power play.  The second period also featured a lengthy scrap between the Storm's Aaron Brewer and Panthers' Trevor Owens.  Owens, who is not known for any pugilistic traits, shed the mitts for the first time in his three-year VIJHL career and did not waste any time in dispatching of Brewer.  Landing several big bombs during the fight, Owens clearly held the upper hand as the two combatants headed for their respective showers.

The final stanza also saw some fireworks.  Panthers Garnett Roberts layed out a big hit and a fight ensued only moments later when Wheeldon moved into the fray.  The fight was a draw however, both players were sent to the showers - their night was over.

There was no scoring in the final stanza although the Panthers had several great opportunities including a protracted period when Tutte headed off for the extra attacker.

The Panthers head up to Mill Bay on Saturday evening and will be back in town next Friday when they face the Saanich Braves.  This game will be played at the George Pearkes Arena.  Next SATURDAY, the Club will be back at the Panorama Recreation Centre for the back end of the home and home against the Braves.  It is the only Saturday night the Club will play at home in the Regular Season and the puck will drop at 7:30 pm.