Three years ago Fraser Auchterlonie toiled in the Victoria Minor Hockey Organization under the tutelage of former longtime Peninsula Panthers' Coach Bill Geddie. Geddie began coaching with the Panthers in 1999 and stayed with the Club for a decade before moving on to the VMHA to coach his own son. And this was where he bumped into Auchterlonie as the youngster began to carve out his niche in the game.
"Bill had come up Island with us on a trip last winter and it was on the trip that he first brought Fraser up," said Panthers' GM Pete Zubersky. "Billy called me again this summer to discuss Auchterlonie yet again, however I had already touched base with the youngster while he was back in Ottawa and we had spoken several times at that point. Bill was super high on the kid and after speaking with him just once, I could tell that he was a quality young man that had a lot of confidence. Things just went from there and in July, Coach Tippett and I met with Fraser and his mother Tammy for lunch to get to know each other. It was a great meeting and I think that Fraser will be a great addition to our squad both on and off the ice. He is exactly the kind of person that we look to bring in. I think we are really lucky to have bumped into him and I think he will fit like a glove."
The 2001 product will probably slot in at Centre for the Panthers after arriving back in Victoria after a three-year hiatus. His father Bob is a high-ranking officer in the Canadian Military and obviously this has seen the family relocate on numerous occasions over the past many years. Auchterlonie played in the Ottawa Valley Silver Seven Organization and Captained his Major Midget team. He also played and Captained his High School Varsity squad for the past two seasons as a 15 & 16-year-old.
"Relocating often as a Military family is challenging, especially trying to continue playing hockey at a high level where people don't always know you," explained Auchterlone. "I have been fortunate to play in great organizations in Victoria and Ottawa and that gave me the chance to continue my development."
The young forward continued, "I was very excited to sign with the Panthers! A great organization with a proven track record for developing players to their highest potential. I have known about the Panthers since I was in Peewee from my former coach Bill Geddie. I would like to thank Mr. Zubersky and Coach Tippett for their confidence in me and the warm welcome back onto the Island."
Tippett looks for Auchterlonie to bring speed, tenacity and finish to the Panthers and although he is young, he appears to have an abundance of leadership skills. Auchterlonie lead his Midget league in goals and was 2nd in scoring last season and this has not been lost on the Panthers' Organization..
Tippett was very impressed when he first met the stocky speedster. "His handshake matches his personality and style of play on the ice - solid. He is coachable and takes pride in being a 200 foot player. I envision him to be able to contribute in a number of different roles," said Tippett.
The Panthers, Auchterlonie and his family are pleased that he has moved back to Victoria. He can be found hanging out with former friends fishing, working out at the gym or working part time as a National Lifegaurd. He has one older brother who attends the University of Victoria.
The Panthers home slate of upcoming games include exhibition matches against the Kerry Park Islanders and Victoria Cougars on August 24 and 31 before they open up their home regular season schedule in the friendly confines of the Panorama Recreation Centre on September 7th. All home games start at 7:30 pm.
.jpg)
Email
Print
