Sekulich signing adds youth and depth to Panthers blueline

August 29, 2023
North Saanich, British Columbia

It takes a bunch of different pieces to build a team that can compete and that is precisely what Head Coach & General Manager Tyler Stanton is in the process of putting together as the Peninsula Panthers rapidly approach their Season Opener in just 11 days.  And Stanton is getting close to having a finished product to parade out in front of what is most likely going to be a large crowd at the home opener on September 8th in the friendly confines of the Panorama Recreation Centre.  They will host the visiting Westshore Wolves for the inaugural game of the season.  But there is a couple exhibition games and perhaps an addition or two to still make after Stanton added 17-year-old defenceman Jason Sekulich to the mix.  Sekulich hails from Campbell River like several other recent signings by Stanton. He can play either up front or on the back end and that ability was an important factor in his addition to the squad.

"Jason is a young kid who just needs time and patience to develop and get better," explained Panthers Owner Pete Zubersky.  "He has awesome parents in Shannon and Neal and has that solid grounding, which is important.  He has some size to put on as he is only 17 years old and simply needs the calendar to roll along.  He plays with grit and determination and has a big heart and I am excited to see his development over the next several months and years.  He has the character to be a Captain in three or four years but it will play out as it plays out."

Sekulich toiled for the Campbell River U-18 program last season and continued in the Spring with a Club which was coached by Mason Harris, father of recently signed Carson Harris.  Zubersky spoke at length to the elder Harris about Sekulich and he could not say enough about what a great kid and competitor he was.

Stanton had a few thoughts as well:  "Jason brings a physical speed game to our defensive core. While still young and learning, Jason has already shown that he has the abilities to learn structure and systems required to play at this level and clearly has the willingness to compete. I'm very excited to welcome someone like Jason into our organization!"

The family was outwardly excited at the signing, albeit, Shannon had mixed emotions with her son moving to Victoria.  Sekulich will be billeting with Shannon's parents and Jason's Grandparents who live in the Saanich area in Greater Victoria.  The youngster had a few thoughts of his own:

"I am very excited to be part of the Peninsula Panthers Program. When I first met Tyler, Pete and the other members of the coaching staff in July, I became really excited and hopeful for the opportunity to play for the Panthers. 
 
The reason why I want to be a Panther is that I feel that the Panthers offer the best environment for me to develop as a hockey player. The Panthers provide a supportive and encouraging program and will push us to be the best players we can be.
 
I see myself as hardworking, physical, two-way defenseman, I am hard to play against and I compete hard. I am a very supportive teammate and I can't wait to get to know my new teammates and be part of the Panthers Team and community on the Peninsula.
 
Highlights from my athletic career would be playing in the 2021-2022 T2 Hockey Provincial Championships in Campbell River with the CRMHA U18 Tyees, as well as in Pee Wee I played for the CRMLA Ravens and we won Lacrosse Provincials right here at the Panorama Recreation Centre."

Sekulich and his mates will be back at the Panorama Friday night for their final tune-up before the Home Opener a week later.  The Victoria Cougars will be in for the game with the puck set to drop at 7:30 pm.