PJHL top VIJHL 7-6 in overtime thriller Sunday afternoon, 8, 9, 10 light it up!

January 26th, 2020
Ladner Leisure Centre
South Delta, British Columbia

Five members of the Peninsula Panthers travelled to the Ladner Leisure Centre on Sunday to join 15 other All-Stars from the VIJHL to take on All-Stars from the PJHL.  And any thought that the two squads would just go through the motions was quickly dispelled in the first two shifts of the game as some thunderous body checks were dealt out by both the VIJHL in their blues and the PJHL in their white jerseys.  The start certainly perked up both benches and every single fan in attendance, it was "Game on" and what a game it was.  Panthers Tanner Wort opened the scoring and Josh Lingard tied the game up at 6-6 late in the 3rd period and in between linemate Riley Braun popped three markers of his own running the line's total to five of the six goals scored by the VIJHL.  Thomas Spink and Skyler Diamond-Burchuk played key roles all afternoon on the back end.

The 8, 9, 10 line were the story on the afternoon as they logged a lot of ice time and were dangerous every single time their blades sliced the ice.  Braun was awarded the "Player of the Game" for the Island squad for his efforts.

"It was really an awesome game to watch," explained GM Pete Zubersky.  "Both the VIJHL and the PJHL were disappointed at the level of compete at the All-Star games each League was hosting and so we brought the idea to the PJHL that we play against each other.  It could not have gone any better.  I thought we deserved to win and we outshot them by at least 20 shots but they knocked us off in overtime and that was OK.  We won the Prospects Game and they won this All-Star game, both winning on their home ice.  I think these pair of games really sets the stage for next year.  I also believe that both Leagues will find ways to work together to make a difference moving forward."

The five skaters from the Peninsula were the most from any Club in the VIJHL and all five were rewarded for their efforts this season by starting the game.  It most likely will be one they will not forget.

The Panthers will have a week of practice before getting back to business Friday night when they welcome in the visiting Kerry Park Islanders for a 7:30 pm start.  The five All-Stars will most likely be front and centre.