Wolves back in series with 4-3 overtime win

Friday, September 25, 2022
North Saanich, British Columbia

Most hockey pundits were on record as feeling that the Best-of-7 series between the Peninsula Panthers and Westshore Wolves was going to prove to be a hard-fought and protracted one.  And if the early indications are any gauge, they were smack on.

With the Panthers holding a commanding 2-0 series edge and with Game 3 set for the Panorama Recreation Centre, the Cats had to feel good about their chances.  But only a couple minutes into overtime and on a goal by Wolves Blake Bentham, it was once again "Game on!"  The Panthers had knotted the score at 3-3 with under one minute remaining in the contest to force overtime on a pretty passing play from Kyle Brown to Logan Speirs.  Speirs quickly pulled the trigger to put the puck behind Wolves starter Jacob Haydar and this set off an explosion in the stands with 300 fans loudly showing their approval.  Although the Club lost in overtime, it left the fans salivating as they departed into a dry but crisp evening.

The Panthers opened up a two-goal lead in the first stanza on a pair of markers coming off the stick of Payton Braun.  But the Wolves responded with a trio of goals of their own in the 2nd period when  Jack Westhaver, Quintyn Sidaway and Ethan MIttelstead all managed to beat Cats starter Ashton Lukan.  The 3-2 Wolves lead after 40 minutes were in the books set the stage for the Speirs' heroics and ultimately the winning overtime goal by Bentham.

Payton Braun and Bentham collected the Players of the Game for each side.  Haydar faced 32 shots and collected the win for his efforts while Lukan had 36 shots sent in his direction and was tagged for a loss on his record.

The two Clubs will tangle in Game 4 at the Q Centre Sunday evening at 5:30 pm and will be back to the friendly confines of the Panorama Recreation Centre Monday night at 7:30 pm for Game 5.  But one thing is certain, local fans are being treated to a great series.