First Nations youth, Cops & Panthers - Now that's a winning combination!!

"That was one of the most upbeat meetings I have attended in a long time," explained Hockey Ops boss Pete Zubersky as he left the Tsawout First Nation Community Centre on Tetayut Rd. in Saanichton, B.C. earlier this morning.  Representing the First Nations youth were Becky Wilson and Rick Hanak, while Corporal Pat Bryant attended for the Central Saanich Police Service.

The groups met to put together a special couple of days in November and as the four discussed the possibilities, excitement started to build.  "Corporal Bryant came up with the idea several months ago and today some of the ideas were really flying around the table," said Zubersky.  We plan to play a ball hockey game on the Tsawout First Nation Reserve on November 14th and then every single youth that attends as a player or a spectator will be given a free ticket to the Panthers game the following night when we host the Nanaimo Buccaneers at the Panorama Recreation Centre.

On Thursday, a combined team of Police Officers and Peninsula Panthers will play a team of First Nation youths - a night where the youth will get to know some of the Panthers and some of the Police.  "We want to build strong relationships with the First Nations youth," explained Bryant.  "We want interaction with the Police to be positive and I think this is a fantastic way to bridge some of the gaps that may currently exist."

Hanak, who is the Director of Operations for Tsawout First Nation, was excited as well.  "Some of the kids are so talented and they just need opportunity.  We discussed a few ideas for the Thursday night on November 14th, both nights should be awesome."

The committee is hoping to have First Nations and Green Party Leader Adam Olsen out for both nights and want to have a real First Nations flavour for the ceremony the game on November 15th.

Interesting enough, one of the most exciting players in the VIJHL and a young fellow with a ton of potential to move onto Junior A and then the NCAA or the Western Hockey League is part First Nations.  Panthers 17-year-old Connor Logan is having a breakout start to the season, he currently sits in 3rd spot in VIJHL scoring.  Logan but has played three fewer games than the scoring leader who sits 4 points ahead of him going itno tonight's action.  Logan has 3.0 points-per-game average which leads the League.

"I met Connor's grandmother on Sunday at our game in Oceanside and although we did not spend a ton of time with her, she seemed like an awesome lady.  She is a full blooded First Nations and I know that Connor thinks the world of her," explained Zubersky.  "Connor will be a fantastic ambassador and role model for the First Nations youth and he will be front and centre during the activities on November 14th and 15th."

The Panthers are back to business tonight at the Panorama Recreation Centre when they host the visiting Westshore Wolves, the puck set to drop at 7:30 pm.