Large crowd leaves Panorama disappointed as Generals upend Panthers 5-2 to extend series.

Monday, March 28, 2022
North Saanich, British Columbia

North Saanich Mayor Geoff Orr entered the Peninsula Panthers dressing room just prior to the curtain rising on Game 4 of the VIJHL Championship series in the friendly confines of the Panorama Recreation Centre.  Orr gave a heartfelt address to the players speaking about teamwork and dedication, the issues and the ups and downs the group has had to endure this season.  Yes, and as the renowned English novelist once wrote, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times."  And that succinctly sums up what the Peninsula Panthers' season has resembled.

The Panthers skated out to the warm welcome of a brimming home crowd but in the end and with their backs against the proverbial wall, the Oceanside Generals put in a better effort and were rewarded with a 5-2 victory.  And with that win, the series was extended to Game 5 up in Parksville on Wednesday night with the Panthers still in pole position leading the series 3-1.

Generals Brayden Ross was the only marksman of the initial frame when he beat Panthers' starter Ashton Lukan at the 13:20 mark.  But the visitors extended their lead to 4-1 on goals coming off the sticks of Mike Carson, Brendan Carlson and Braedan Leary while Panthers Kyle Brown responded on the power play for the Cats.  Panthers Logan Speirs and Generals Chase Heslop exchanged 3rd period goals and as the Generals celebrated the win that allowed them to fight another day, the Panthers quietly exited and immediately looked forward to Game 5.

"At the start of the series before the first puck was dropped, I booked the bus for three trips up North to Parksville," quipped Panthers GM Pete Zubersky.  "I knew they were a great team and I believe we are as well and I also felt that this series was not going to be a sweep by either side and that has proven to be true.  We were up 3-0 heading into the game on Monday and I know how badly our group wanted to end it in front of our families, friends and fans.  But we did not put in the effort to get the result that we wanted and I could see it pretty well in the first period.  I think our dressing room now understands that anything other than our best will simply not be good enough against the Generals so I expect we will put a better foot forward on Wednesday.

If the Panthers are unable to close out the Generals at Oceanside Place on Wednesday night, Game 6 is set to go Friday night right back at the Panorama Recreation Centre at 7:30 pm.