Family Day PMHA '3rd' Jersey Giveaway afternoon game set for MONDAY

Friday February 17th, 2023
North Saanich, British Columbia

The Peninsula Panthers seem to be righting the ship just in the nick of time as the VIJHL Round 1 playoffs are less than two weeks away.  And the Club took another step on Friday evening in the friendly confines of the Panorama Recreation Centre when they knocked off the visiting Saanich Predators 4-3 when sniper Ryan Grambart scored at the 2:40 mark of overtime to send fans heading to the exits with smiles on their collective faces.

The focus quickly shifted to Monday afternoon when the Campbell River Storm are in for the traditional Family Day '3rd Jersey' PMHA Appreciation Game.  The Panthers will crack open a new, albeit, a throwback jersey and one that fans have not seen for over two decades.  Once the game is in the books, the Panthers will gift the jerseys right off their collective backs to PMHA players and fans alike.  PMHA players names will be placed in a draw but MUST be present after the game when the on-ice draw takes place.  An additional five jerseys will be drawn for fans who can enter for a chance to win with the purchase of a Game Day Report available at the ticket table when entering the building.  PMHA players wearing their Team Jerseys will be admitted into the contest at no charge as will PMHA coaches and managers.  The game usually draws a large and boisterous crowd and the building will undoubtedly be electric.

"It's a great opportunity for everyone to come out and celebrate the game that we all love," quipped Panthers GM Pete Zubersky.  "Our Organization has an extremely close relationship with the Peninsula Minor Hockey Association and perhaps the closest Junior to Minor Hockey relationship in the entire process.  I think that both sides really enjoy the closeness and this game allows us to give back to the PMHA.  I would be remiss if I did not mention the Peninsula Co-op and their sponsorship of the Club and certainly of this game.  Sponsorship is key to our Club's existence and the Peninsula Co-op is certainly a big part in everything that we do."

Last night, Ryan Grambart led the Panthers scoring potting three goals including the winner while linemate Tanner Banks chipped in with a goal of his own.  With the Predators' loss, the playoff positioning is now set and so the match was a preview of what to expect in 10 days.  "Saanich has really put together a group that is made to win and this series will not be easy, no doubt about that," said Zubersky.  "Last night proved out to be last shot wins and I expect that the series will be be much of the same and hotly-contested, night in and night out.  But for now we have two games remaining in our schedule including Monday afternoon at 2:00 pm and that one is circled on all of our calendars."

Panthers Tracks...Defenceman Evan Crawford and Power Forward Luka Jansen van Rensburg were out of the lineup on Friday...Crawford was fighting some illness but could have gone if it was a playoff game...Jansen van Rensburg has been out since getting banged up back on January 13th in Oceanside...He has been practicing with the Club and is now close to game action...Brady Kelly was strong between the pipes Friday night in posting the win...Former Predators defenceman Andrew Braun had a couple points in the game on Friday including an assist on the Grambart winner...Fans MUST be in attendance to win a jersey on Monday with the on-ice draw immediately after the game...Peninsula and Saanich have been discussing a playoff format/schedule and are close to nailing it down...the series will open in Saanich on Wednesday, March 1...