Ahron Calalay finally a sight for sore eyes!

Thursday, September 7, 2023
Panorama Recreation Centre
North Saanich, British Columbia

Back in April, Panthers Owner Pete Zubersky travelled to the Westshore to watch Carson Harris go through the paces.  Harris had been spotted a couple weeks earlier at another camp by Zubersky and he was making a push in the recruiting process for the highly-skilled forward.  The Cats Owner meandered into the Westhills Arena as a Spring Team that Harris was playing for was down from the Campbell River area for one final practice before heading to Whistler for a tournament.  Zubersky did speak with Harris and his parents after the practice was over but when he was watching the players go through their paces, he took special note of another youngster. 

Zubersky went down to the penalty box area and spoke with one of the Assistant Coaches and Ahron Calalay was asked to see Zubersky. 

"Ahron and I had a really good conversation.  He indicated that he had not yet made up his mind about where he wanted to play but seemed interested in hearing about our program.  He explained that he wanted to go to University at some point but was planning on taking one year off from his studies.  I loved his level of skill and his skating ability.  He was injured for a lot of last season and was just getting going and I thought that he would have a great upside and would give us a bit more bite offensively."

Zubersky told Head Coach and General Manager about Calalay and his observations and conversation and Stanton took the ball and ran with it.

"Tyler was dogmatic in his approach to the recruiting process with Ahron," emphatically stated Zubersky. "He just never gave up.  I would ask him how Ahron was doing and he would always have an answer.  He kept in constant communication with the young fellow and eventually Ahron decided to come aboard."

Calalay was playing in the Grant Gilbertson Tournament in mid-August and was banged up in one of the early games.  He has been working at getting back and on Monday arrived at the Panorama for his first practice and looked great.  There was clearly some excitement to have him on board before the season opener.  Calalay was excited as well as he recieved his gear from the Organization.

"I’m thrilled to be a part of this great organization. I’m pumped to be playing for a highly competitive team, full of talented players. I’m looking forward to getting started Friday to show my skill and my drive to win in a Panthers uniform" 

Stanton shared his feelings on his latest addition:
"Ahron is someone we have been looking forward to hopefully signing for sometime. Ahron brings a very strong hockey IQ, along with a very quick offence touch. We very much look forward to seeing #11 in the Panthers uniform for the '23-24 Campaign."

Calalay will not have to wait much longer as the Panthers will host the Westshore Wolves tomorrow night at 7:30 pm in their Home Opener at the Panorama Recreation Centre.  The night's festivities will start off with a Barbecue and Tailgate Party in the parking lot shortly after 5:00 pm.  There will be live music.  Tickets will be sold to the game starting at 6:00 pm which will allow fans to slide inside while enjoying the Tailgate party to purchase tickets.  The opening ceremonies will be special and will start inside at 7:30 pm sharp.  Fans should ensure they are seated early to avoid disappointment.  A significant crowd is expected to be in attendance.