Speedster Drew Coughlin makes the jump and will be taking up new postal code

It was a sunny day in June when Panthers General Manager Pete Zubersky sat down at his computer to write up a release agreement between the Peninsula Panthers and the Camrose Kodiaks.  And after the document was written, it was signed and sent to the Kodiaks Head Coach and General Manager Boris Rybalka ending Coughlin's one-year term with the Panthers. 

Coughlin's rights were obtained from the Saanich Braves early last season and when he joined the Panthers, he had not yet scored a single goal.  But that would all quickly change.  The speedy left winger was placed on a line with Captain Trevor Owens and silky smooth Marshall Brown and the trio never looked back.  Coughlin scored early and often and ended the regular season as the Panthers' top scorer. 

Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations worked closely with Coughlin throughout the season, tinkering on the finer points of the game.  "It was not unusual for Drew and Brad to be out on the ice on Wednesday or Thursday afternoon all by themselves working on the smalll things in the game," said Zubersky.    "Brad is a great teacher and was willing to come out with Drew to make him a better hockey player.  I remember mentioning to Brad one afternoon after the two had left the ice that Drew was a fortunate kid; that it would be hard to put a number on the value of the one-on-one time.  I tip my hat to both of them."

"We are really proud that we were part of helping Drew pursue his hockey dreams," said Tippett.  "He is a highly-skilled and motivated young man.  When we made the trade, we knew there was a good chance he would move up.  While we will miss him in the lineup, this continues to cement the tradition of player development by the Panthers organization.  Looking at the big picture, this only helps our team recruit more elite players."

While Coughlin is excited to test himself at the next level this coming season, it was clear that he enjoyed his time on the Peninsula.

"Getting traded to the Panthers was the best thing that has happened to me.  The Panthers helped me to get to the next level and they pushed me to where I am now.  I really appreciate everything they have done for me since I came to the team.  I had the best linemates anyone could ask for.  Trevor Owens and Marshall Brown were really fun to play with and it was a real honour playing with them and the rest of the guys."

"I'm really excited for Drew and will be watching his progress closely from afar," said Zubersky.  "I know that the family is excited to have the boys playing together and I know that the two brothers are keen to get things going out in Camrose.  Our Organization wish all the best for the two former Peninsula Panthers."

Coughlin will join his older brother Tate, who is currently playing in Camrose after a three-year Western Hockey League career with the Kelowna Rockets.  Tate Coughlin played for the Panthers as a 16-year-old before moving on to Major Junior.  It will be the first opportunity for the two brothers to play together.

In other Panthers news, the Club has named Mike Berti as the Club's new Equipment Manager.  Berti played some hockey but excelled in Lacrosse as he grew up in the Nanaimo area.

The Club is still looking for billet families to host players for the upcoming 2017/18 season.  Contact Pete Zubersky if you are interested and would like more information.