3rd Jerseys a huge hit however Panthers lose 4-3 against the Storm

Monday, February 20, 2023
North Saanich, British Columbia

A nice crowd flowed into the Panorama Recreation Centre on Monday afternoon and they were treated to a thrilling game involving the visiting Campbell River Storm and Peninsula Panthers.  The Panthers held a 3-2 lead midway though the final frame but saw their advantage evaporate when the visitors scored with just over two minutes left to take home a 4-3 win.  Scoring for the Panthers were Ethan Lingard, Tanner Banks and Julien Phillips while Mason Kelly went the distance between the pipes for the home side.

The story of the afternoon was the many smiling faces of PMHA players and fans as the Panthers cracked open a vintage 3rd Jersey last worn by the Club during the 1999/00 season.  The logo featured a Panthers head inside a large letter P and it was a favourite of fans and players alike.  "I mentioned to our bench during the 1st period how good I thought the Jerseys looked and Tanner Banks agreed and said he even had complements from Storm players," quipped Cats GM Pete Zubersky.

During the 1st period intermission the Panthers players attended out into the lobby and signed autographs for young fans in attendance.  The 2nd intermission featured 15 U7 players in a game of their own with the entire Panthers squad joining in.  And when the final buzzer sounded, 30 of the vintage 3rd jerseys were gifted to PMHA players and fans in an on-ice draw to the delight of everyone in attendance.

The Panthers will close out their 2022/23 Regular Season on Friday evening when they host the Port Alberni Bombers.  VIJHL President Simon Morgan is expected to be in attendance and will present All-Star awards to several players from each side and will then drop the ceremonial puck between the two Captains.  The game is set for 7:30 pm.

The Panthers will then begin their playoff journey with hopes that it will be a protracted one.  Their 1st Round opponent will be the Saanich Predators.  The Best-of-7 series will open with Games 1 & 2 at the George Pearkes Arena while Games 3 & 4 will be back in the friendly confines of the Panorama Recreation Centre.  More details to follow in the coming days.