Ben Swan is no Turkey

Sunday, September 3, 2023
North Saanich, British Columbia

Ben Swan turned out to be one of the real surprises in the Main Camp of the Peninsula Panthers and last week was signed to a contract after turning up the heat.  Although the 17-year-old left winger was well known by Head Coach and General Manager Tyler Stanton, he was unknown to most others in the Cat's Organization.  That is not the situation any longer.

"I noticed him the first couple days and thought he might be a good affiliate for us this season," quipped Panthers Owner Pete Zubersky.  "But he just got better and better as the days rolled along and really turned it up a notch once we started playing exhibition games.  Last week at practice I was walking around and Ethan Lingard was near the bench as I walked past.  I asked him what he thought of Swan and Lingard's response was that he loved him.  I do too.  The kid plays hard, can skate and is still so young.  He will be a good one and I am excited to see how he develops at this level.  He has some personality, I have seen that already and I think he will fit into our room like a glove." 

Swan has played on a line in a couple games with returning veterans Lingard and Luka Jansen van Rensburg and can keep up with these two big speedsters.  He has some nice size as well.  Swan will be wearing former Panthers player Logan Speirs #21 and if he turns out to be anything close to the level Speirs ended his career, the Panthers will be huge winners.  It was Speirs who scored the overtime winner in Game 6 of the Championship series against the Oceanside Generals two years ago.

Swan was asked what he brings to the table and the youngster let fans on the Peninsula know what to expect:

"As a player I am coachable and have a desire to win. I have effective communication skills and a positive upbeat attitude and I am committed to my teammates.  I feel being a Panther this year I will be with a group that will challenge and inspire me. As a Panther I will give it my all on and off the ice.  It's been a goal to play for this team and I feel honoured to say that I now do.  I cannot wait to get that first Friday night underway on the 8th". 

Stanton on his latest addition:
"Since the very start - we have preached hard work, effort and the willingness to want to succeed, and Ben has done just that. Ben has shown from the May long weekend to now that hard work does pay off. After having a big summer, Ben has clearly earned his spot with the Club. Swanny is no stranger to the coaching staff, as he was a part of our team at JDF last year, and made huge strides in getting to where he is now. We are very excited to welcome #21 to our roster." 

Swan will not have to wait long as the Panthers Home Opener is slated for this Friday night at 7:30 pm when they welcome in the Westshore Wolves.  Once Cat's fans see the hard-nosed youngster in action they will know that this situation is no Swan song and they might be well advised to get used to using the edges of their seats.