Roberts traded to Islanders 60 seconds before deadline.

The Peninsula Panthers had received quite a number of calls throughout the day and evening on Tuesday but it looked like there would be no further player movement for the Club which had completed two significant transactions last week.  The deadline was midnight however at 11:35 pm the Panthers and Kerry Park Islanders hooked up on the phone and 24 minutes later 20-year-old defenceman Garnett Roberts was traded to the Kerry Park Islanders.  The deal was completed only one minute before the deadline.

"It was the fastest deal I have ever been involved with," said Panthers General Manager Pete Zubersky.  "The Islanders called and made an offer for Garnett.  I did not even have time to phone him and so some quick texts went back forth.  Garnett decided that he wanted to take the opportunity that was presented and I am really happy that he did.  I think the move will fire him up and I think he will help the Islanders down the stretch and into the playoffs."

The Panthers received future considerations in the transaction. 

Roberts played his minor hockey at the Peninsula and the Panthers made a move to acquire his rights right before Christmas two years ago.  There had been some interest from other Club's in the VIJHL earlier in the season however due to school commitments the lanky defenceman could not leave the Greater Victoria area.  He thanked Zubersky and in a text stated, "I will always be a Panther at heart."

Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations for the Panthers had this to say, "The Panthers want to thank Garnett for his contribution and for his time here with the Club.  We wish him all the best both on the ice and in his pursuit of a career in Law Enforcement.  He is a very, very solid young man."

The Panthers hit the ice on Friday night when the host the visiting and North Division leading Campbell River Storm at the Panorama Recreation Centre.  The puck is set to drop at 7:30 pm.