Panthers make coaching change as they sputter down the stretch

Monday January 16, 2023
North Saanich, British Columbia

"It was not something I wanted to do and the decision came with several weeks of consideration and a lot of soul-searching," said Panthers General Manager Pete Zubersky.  And in a move he hopes will turn the Cats' fortunes around, Zubersky relieved Head Coach Chris Driebergen of his bench boss duties early Saturday afternoon. The GM will take on the additional duties as bench boss the rest of the way this season.

The Calendar turned to 2023 16 days ago but the month thus far has not been good to the Club. The Cats had lost their first four games of the New Year including a 5-0 drubbing on Friday night at the hands of the VIJHL leaders in the Oceanside Generals.  Zubersky will be behind the bench on Wednesday when the Panthers head to George Pearkes Arena to face off against the Saanich Predators and when the group returns for the back end of the home-and-home series with the Preds on Friday night at Panorama Recreation Centre.

"I have enjoyed the relationship I have had with Chris during his time with the Panthers," explained Zubersky.  "He is a real gentleman and a genuine person. We have been sliding for a bit and I had to make a tough decsion.  Sometimes the business of hockey is not kind and this certainly is one of those times. We have a couple practices before we play again and I am hopeful that the change sparks some change."

The Peninsula Panthers wish Chris Driebergen all the best in the future and wholeheartedly thank him for his time with the Organization.

The game on Friday night in the confines of the Panorama Recreation Centre will see the puck drop at 7:30 pm.