Wort re-ups for another season

Tanner Wort carries around a big smile and can flat out score goals.  And those are just two items that the Peninsula Panthers covet from the crafty 18-year-old left winger who will be back for his 2nd year on the Club this time around.  Wort had been weighing his educational options and was considering attending post-secondary in Kelowna, however at the last possible moment he decided to stick closer to home and has enrolled in Camosun College.  He will have a focus on business and will major in accounting.  His plans include a transfer to University majoring in management which will double his options.

The natural goal-scorer has played his favourite game since he was only five.  He grew up watching the Panthers on Friday nights and one of his favourite players was now current coach, Jackson Skerratt. 

"I have always loved to score no matter what sport I was playing, all I wanted to do was score," explained the sniper who will most likely be slotted in on a line with mates, Josh Lingard and Riley Braun once again.  All three played many years together throughout their ride in Peninsula Minor Hockey.

Coach Tippett did not mince any words when talking about Wort.  "Tanner is certainly known for his scoring touch and being a part of the Peninsula Trio. Panthers' fans will witness this year how hard he has worked on the other parts of his game. He has developed into a reliable penalty  killer and one of our best forwards who is willing to block shots. He has developed into a more complete player."


"I'm excited to be playing for the Panthers once again this season and I think that with the players we have signed and with our core group, we should be strong," said Wort.  "I am really excited to see just how far we can go."

Pete Zubersky has some interesting thoughts on his left winger.  "Wort had just a great season last year and I asked him before the year started how many he would tally.  He figured he would get 20, which I thought might be a little high.  He scored 18 in the regular season and then scored two in a five-game series against the Storm.  I wasn't thinking about the conversation we had at the start of the season but on the bus home after our last game in the playoffs up in Campbell River, he reminded me that he would get 20.  We both laughed.  I think he will step that number up this season and I would bet that he has a bigger number in mind.  I guess I should get that prediction from him!"

"Coach Brad Tippett loves Worty," mentioned Zubersky.  "He is a kid that you can always count on and it looks like he has come into camp in better shape and the Coach just loved that.  He is just a great kid."

Wort closed off the chat by making a final point.  "I'm very thankful for my mom and dad's support throughout my school and hockey adventure."

The Panthers are thrilled to have him back in the lineup and local fans will see him front and centre when they open on September 7th & 7:30 pm versus the Westshore Wolves at the Panorama Recreation Centre.