Panthers doubled 6-3 at 'The Arch' in Season Opener

October 1st, 2020
Esquimalt, British Columbia

The 2020/21 VIJHL Regular Season is finally underway, albeit, with a one-month delay.  The Peninsula Panthers travelled to the Archie Browning Arena in Esquimalt Thursday night to open against their arch rival Victoria Cougars.  For every player and fan for both squads, this VIJHL's opening game seemed most appropriate.  It was these same two Clubs who were playing in the VIJHL South Division finals on March 11th when the season came to a crashing end due to Covid-19.  It was really the only way, it had to be.

Ryan Strange led all scorers in the game for the home side with three markers including one into the empty net with only 17 ticks remaining.  Bryce Irwin, Brandon McClintick and Zach Guerra notched singles of their own.  Scoring for the Panthers were Matt Seale, Tanner Wort and Riley Braun.

Brayden Evans made the start between the pipes for the Peninsula side and blocked 29 of 34 shots sent his way while picking up the loss.  Brett Anderson was better and picked up the win knocking down 24 of 27 shots sent his way.

Strange and Wort were named the Player of the Game for their respective squads.

Head Coach Brad Tippett would clearly have been happier with a win however thought that there were a lot of positives when interviewed just outside the Panthers' locker room after he had finished meeting with his troops.

"Well there was some good things and some not so good things.  One of the good things is all the bad things are fixable.  Let’s be honest here - we dressed four first year defencemen - two 17s and two 16’s. They held their own.  Brayden Evans was solid in goal a gave us a chance to win. That’s all we can ask.  Lingard, Braun and Wort were themselves.  We had a number of young forwards who got their feet wet.  Anderson made some great saves which diminished some of the good things we did.  We had some coverage issues. At times we were trying to be too cute or looking for the fancy or risky option.  And we were a little slow and soft clearing our zone. All fixable.  I liked the fact that we got better as the game went on and our guys are looking forward to Friday.  We all are."

The two Clubs will not have to wait long to get after each other as they will meet at the Panorama Recreation Centre Friday night at 7:30 pm.  Only a limited number of fans will be allowed through the doors; consequently tickets are not being sold for this game.