Smooth-skating 17-year-old defenceman Griffin Gilmour will add some offensive bite

September 21, 2020
North Saanich, British Columbia

Griffin Gilmour is exactly what the Peninsula Panthers were looking for when they inked him in July after their Summer Identification Camp.  The Management were more than a little familiar with the smooth-skating rear guard.  He had affiliated with the 'Cats' last season and could be seen often at practice and then in some meaningful games.  And he did not look out of place as a 16-year-old.

Bench Boss Brad Tippett was looking to fill some holes on his defensive corps with the departure of veterans Alex Benger, Thomas Spink and Skyler Diamond-Burchuk who had all aged out.  Stefan Grunert had a year left however had a rough season last year in the injury department and decided to leave the game a year early.  But Tippett has managed to fill the vacancies with several great prospects, including Gilmour.

Tippett on Gilmour:
"Former Victoria Admirals coach and Panther scout Mike Cox told us Griffin Gilmour was his most improved player through the season for his Midget squad last year.  Griffin came out to practice a lot last year and each time we saw him we could see his confidence growing. He ended up playing in 6-7 games for us.  He is smart and is able to do high skill things at high speed.  As a defender he isn’t going to run you over but he will be in your face quickly taking away time and space. He will develop into a fan favourite.
 
Gilmour on Gilmour:
"I’m very excited for this season and I believe that with the team we have we should be really successful. I was lucky enough to play in a few games for the team last year and get to know some of the boys. We have a great group of guys and a lot of talent and I’m happy to be a part of it. I am looking forward to improving my game everyday and contributing as much as I can to our team. During the last couple weeks of practice I can tell that we have a very strong team and everyone gets along really well, can’t wait to get started!"