Mowat adds size and mobility on Panthers back end

Tuesday August 22, 2023
North Saanich, British Columbia

The Panthers believe they have added a significant piece to their roster after signing 18-year-old Gavin Mowat to a contract back in July.  Mowat who hails from Campbell River showed up at a weekly skate the Club was holding in mid-July and made an immediate impression on Head Coach/General Manager Tyler Stanton and his coaching staff.  As the Cats were put through their paces, Mowat immediately jumped off the page.  Owner Pete Zubersky was in the stands observing the practice and was summonsed by Stanton and he let Stanton know that he shared the same opinion.  Conversations were had with Mowat that night and later with the youngster and his family over the next several days and both sides were thrilled that there was a fit.  Mowat will be billeting with former Panthers player from the 1999/00 season, Garret Mathews, Zubersky's 20-year-old Captain when Coreen and he first purchased the Club.  What goes around comes around.

Mowat played last season with the Campbell River Tyee's U-18 program and was able to play several games and practice as an affiliate with the Campbell River Storm.  He is no stranger to Junior Hockey.

"I’m a two way defensemen who hopes to make strides In my offensive game this season with the Panthers as I earn more opportunities to perform," said Mowat. He added,  "With that being said, I also plan to prioritize defence as that is equally important to win games".

Those two short sentences are music to the ears of any coach including Stanton.  Ice and opportunities must be earned.  Defence is as or more important than offence.
 
Mowat went on to discuss his feelings about the Club.  "The history and recent success of the organization essentially speaks for itself as to what it means to become a Panther. To join a team that has a family-like atmosphere and be welcomed without feeling like an outsider was very warming and I believe this will make the transition easier."
 
Stanton had several thoughts of his own when discussing the acquisition."  Gavin was quickly identified by the entire coaching staff and Pete, at a skate in early July. Gavin is a quick, defence 1st, very engaged defenceman, that also brings a highly talented, hard-nosed spirit to his game. Following a lengthy conversation with Gavin's family on the Sunday evening after meeting him a couple days earlier, Gavin was inked to the Panther's family. We as an organization are ecstatic to have Gavin down on the Peninsula this year!  Welcome to the Panthers #4."

Mowat will get his first taste of action with the Peninsula Panthers this Friday evening in the friendly confines of the Panorama Recreation Centre when the Cats welcome in the Westshore Wolves for an exhibition tilt.  He along with a number of other recently signed rookies, a number of returning veterans, and some hopefuls who have moved from the Development Camp to Main Camp will be in the lineup.  The puck drops at 7:30 pm.