Panthers name Wort as Captain - ahead of Regular Season opener

September 30, 2020
North Saanich, B.C.

Tanner Wort was named as the Captain of the Peninsula Panthers for the 2020/21 season by Bench Boss Brad Tippett in a players' meeting just outside the players' entrance in the parking lot before practice on a warm Tuesday everning.  Tippett also identified veterans Riley Braun, Logan Speirs, Matt Seale and Hunter Jensen as Panthers who will be wearing the "A" for the season.  And the Coach was also quick to point out the leadership of Josh Lingard and Denver Maloney who will be part of the Leadership group. 

The last six months is something that every single person alive will never forget and although we are far from the finish line, the little things like the game of hockey are trickling back into our lives and bringing some positivity and normalcy to those who enjoy the game.  Leadership is always a key component to success in the game and for the newly appointed Captain of the 'Cats', this season will undoubtedly present more opportunities for leadership than any other previous year.

"Being named the Captain of our Club is a big accomplishment for myself," said the amiable Captain. 
"I’ve been wanting to play for the Panthers since I was six years old and now that I will be leading the team, it's a huge honour."

The VIJHL Leading Scorer and MVP from last season continued.  "Over the past few seasons, on the ice I’ve worked to become a better player and off the ice I’ve worked to become a better leader.  From taking control and leading by example at team events to becoming a boss-like figure at my worksite at Slegg everyday, I have attempted to elevate in these areas.  I feel I will be able to communicate with the referees very well and relay the information to Brad clearly. Brad and I have developed a great relationship over my last three seasons with the Team and being named his Captain this year will only make it better.  I do believe we think alike in a lot of ways and this makes for easy communication between him and me.  I believe that this creates a better flow of information within our whole team."

The sniper's clock is running on fumes and this is the final year of eligibility at this level for the 20-year-old and Wort feels the clock ticking.  "This is my last season of Junior Hockey and I have nothing but great things to say about the Panthers Organization. I have made great memories here and will hold them forever. The main goal this year is to gain that final memory I want, the journey to a VIJHL Championship. I truly feel we have the group of guys that can do it and I’m looking forward to getting the games going so that we can get our journey going."

Bench Boss Brad Tippett on his Leadership Group:
"Great leaders lead by example. They have a high level of knowledge of their craft. They have confidence to speak their mind and are courageous enough to change course. Working with others is a must. Most of all they are responsible and accountable.
 
The character, experience and depth of our leadership group is any coach's dream. The entire group shares a team-first mentality and set a great example of just how to succeed at the junior level.
 
The 2019/20 VIJHL MVP and Leading Scorer Tanner Wort will serve as our Captain. Though known for his scoring touch.,he has gained the respect of his teammates by turning himself into a hard-working and reliable 200 foot player. Tanner has a great understanding of the game and communicates well.
 
Riley Braun, Logan Speirs, Hunter Jensen and Matt Seale will wear “A”s. Riley and Logan are entering their fourth seasons representing the forwards. Three-year veteran Hunter and sophomore Matt will lead a very talented group of young defensemen.
 
There may not be a letter on their sweaters but Josh Lingard and Denver Maloney are important parts of the leadership group. They are both very talented and often are targeted by opposition. Not wearing a letter might give them a little extra room on the ice."