Panthers finally hold Identification Camp on weekend

July 20th, 2020
North Saanich, B.C.

General Manager Pete Zubersky and Head Coach Brad Tippett were putting the final touches on their Summer Identification Camp this past Friday at the Panorama Recreation Centre.  The two were putting out jerseys, making final checks on documentation around protocols for the weekend, and generally just looking to do any trouble shooting before the first group of players walked through the doors to open camp.  Tippett was in a particularly good frame of mind and he remarked to Zubersky, "I am so happy to be back."  The comment stopped Zubersky in his tracks and he responded by asking his Bench Boss why.  Tippett responded with absolutely no hesitation, "Because this is where I am meant to be."

And so began the 2021 season starting with three days of camp right back in the friendly confines of their own barn.  It was back on March 11th when the Panthers were involved in the best-of-7 South Island Finals with the Victoria Cougars that their season came crashing in on them.  It was small potatoes in comparison to the destruction felt around the world which still leaves millions scratching and clawing for some sense of normalcy.  But at least for this weekend, all seemed right in Pantherland and the feeling was an incredible burst of fresh air.

"I am still very hopeful and optimistic that we will play a season of Junior Hockey here in the VIJHL," said Zubersky.  "And to that end, each and every Organization contines to build their respective squads.  In my mind the VIJHL has the best chance in Junior Hockey in North America to succeed and move forward.  We have agreed that the North Division will play in the North and the South Division will play in the South.  Our Club will not bus this season unless we were to make it to the finals in the playoffs against the North Division winner.  The Goverors in our League are continuing to have meaningful conversations to identify other ways that we can mitigate risks.  Our numbers here on the Island in terms of the virus are as low as any location in North America.  I would love for our League to sit down with John Horgan and Dr. Bonnie Henry to explain our position and to be a model on how to proceed, to be the first out of the chute.  Someone has to be first and the VIJHL is positioned to be that league."

Coach Tippett had a narrower view of the weekend as he drilled down on each player to fill the holes in his roster that needed to be addressed.  And he was certainly not at a loss for words when interviewed on Monday morning.  Here is Tippett on his camp:

Before we get into the details of the camp we must acknowledge the effort and cooperation put forward by the staff at Panorama. It really was a joint effort ensuring we follow the outlined COVID protocols. Jason Fletcher led the Panthers input and compliance reporting. There were multiple levels of support from the Panorama staff. In spite of all the new rules and constraints, the entire weekend ran very smoothly.
 
Now for the hockey side. I walked away on Sunday afternoon knowing we had more raw talent and motivated players than at any time during my tenure with the Panthers. We saw tremendously skilled and passionate players regardless of birth year. Working around the limited number of players allowed on the ice, we incorporated more sessions but with a shorter length of time. I thought this allowed the players to go full out each session.

We went in with the knowledge we are deep at forward, we needed to address a shortage on defence and the goaltending is still a little cloudy. We came away with likely 6-8 additional forwards. On the back end we added plenty of depth to the supporting cast. We saw good things from a lot of the goaltenders with no one guy really rising above the others.

Now it’s time to just be patient and see what the Fall brings. It will be easier on my nerves knowing the options we have available.