Panthers upended by Wolves

The Peninsula Panthers were hoping to notch a couple wins in a home-and-home series against the Westshore Wolves but came out on the short end of the scoreboard both times this past week.  The Panthers had been running roughshod over the Wolves this season, going into the pair of games having won all but one of the games played between the two.  However, it was the Wolves who turned the tables at a crucial point in the regular season.

On Wednesday evening at the Q Centre, the "Cats" were knocked off 5-2 with the lone Panthers' goals coming off the sticks of Carson Cox and Tanner Wort.   And on Friday night, goals by Matt Lawrence, Thomas Spink and Marshall Brown were just not enough as the Wolves came out on top 4-3.

"Our playoff picture is getting a bit more in focus," said GM Pete Zubersky.  "It is pretty well assured that we will have a date with either the Campbell River Storm or the Nanaimo Buccaneers in a couple weeks from today.  A bounce here or there in our last couple of weeks could have changed the outcome but we now have to play the hand we are dealt.  We are a bit banged up right now but I expect that two or three key guys will be back for the playoffs and that will help out a lot."

The Panthers play a Family Day holiday game this coming Monday when they welcome in the Victoria Cougars to the Panorama Recreation Centre for the matinee.  The puck will drop at 1:00 pm.

The Panthers will be present at the Mary Winspear Centre in Sidney on Sunday from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm.  Professional LEGO builder Robin Sather will construct a life-sized LEGO rendition of Panthers' goaltender Chris Akerman.  The Panthers will be playing ball hockey with youth who come to the Mary Winspear for a look and the youngsters are encouraged to bring their hockey sticks.