Speirs looks to take major offensive role for Panthers

September 9th, 2020
North Saanich, British Columbia

Logan Speirs just might be in better shape than anyone in the Vancouver Island Hockey League and the Peninsula Panthers' brass is hoping that he can turn that into some offensive punch for the Club.  More than likely he will start the season in the middle between the silky smooth Denver Maloney and the gritty and offensively-talented Lucas Thomson-Fiddes.  With a few bounces and some hard work. the trio has the opportunity to be one of the top lines in the League and one that should put up some significant numbers this 2020/21 season.  
 
Speirs is returning for his 4th year with the Panthers after cracking the opening lineup as a 16-year-old.  He is a leader both on and off the ice and his great sense of humour is important in a Hockey Season that can grind at times.

" I am very excited to start this season off with this group of guys," noted Speirs and he clearly means what he is saying.  He has a passion for the sport and played all of his Minor Hockey on the Peninsula with the PMHA.

"I will miss the team and chemistry that we had last year but the veteran players will feed off that energy to provide it to the new guys. With our first puck drop coming in the next few weeks and after seeing the first few practices unfold, I can already tell that our younger players are extremely talented."

Speirs closed off talking about Maloney who will be riding shotgun on the left side with Speirs. 
 
"Since the beginning of my hockey journey I have played with Denver Maloney, and throughout the years we have built strong chemistry on the ice. So I am very excited to see what the future holds for our line."

Head Coach Brad Tippett discussed Speirs when cornered after the Tuesday evening practice.

"Logan does not always get the headlines the big line gets. Ask players or coaches from other teams who they hate to play against and his name comes up. To fully appreciate his effect on other teams imagine yourself huddling down the highway 110 Km/hr in a 1965 Volkswagon Beetle, its 30 degrees outside, the windows are rolled up and there is an angry hornet as your co-pilot----and oh yes – it's 60 minutes to your final destination. That experience is similar to playing against Logan Speirs. On more than a few teams in the league he would be a number one center."  

Pete Zubersky commented, "Logan is a smart kid and I love speaking with him.  He is a confident young man who has opinions and what he says is always meaningful.  On the ice I expect that he is going to have a huge year for the Club.  He works his tail off and can shoot the puck with authority and will be playing with a couple guys who know how to put the puck in the net.  I have a feeling we are going to hear his name announced quite a number of times this season."

The Panthers have not quite nailed down their opening date but it appears as though it will either be on Friday, September 25 or October 2nd against the visiting and arch-rival Victoria Cougars.