Panthers make blockbuster 4-player deal

"The trade we were able to complete with the Kerry Park Islanders was made to make our Club stronger, it's as simple as that.  I speak on behalf of our coaches and no question the message that was sent to our players and the rest of the VIJHL is that we want to make an honest push for a Championship this season."  And with that statement and the 4-player transaction constructed by Head Coach and General Manager Brian Passmore, the Peninsula Panthers made themselves part of the discussion as playoff contenders.

The Panthers dance partner was the Kerry Park Islanders who lost two players to the Trail Smoke Eaters only a week earlier.  And perhaps the writing was on the wall for the Islanders that it would be tough to contend for a championship this season.  But whatever the thought process, the Islanders decided to move the League's best goal scorer in Alex Milligan and talented 20-year-old Tylor Branzsen to the Panthers.  Going the other way were a pair of 18-year-olds in Power Forward Nick Kean and Adam Page.

"It's always tough to say goodbye to two great teammates in Adam and Nick and we certainly wish them all the very best up in Kerry Park," said Passmore.  "We needed to give up a couple of young players in order to get the older experienced players in Alex Milligan and Tylor Branzsen.  You see this kind of deal made all the time at the deadline in every League in North America, youth for experience.  We made those kind of bold moves last year at the deadline when we were building for this season."

The newly acquired pair did not take long to pay dividends.  Only three hours after the deal was completed, Milligan and Branzsen suited up for the Panthers in a game against the Westshore Wolves and when all the ice chips were done flying, both players showed their value in a 6-4 win to their new bench boss.  Milligan had a goal and two assists and was named the contest's 1st star while Branzsen picked up a goal of his own.  The Panthers seemed out of sorts in the sloppy game but managed to win the Wednesday night contest.

"If I am completely honest about the game on Wednesday night I would have to say that we stunk.  We are on a five-game winning streak but our compete level has to improve and improve quickly," said Passmore.  "As a group we will be better.  We all looked at each other last night after the game was over and said we all need to bring our A game on Friday night when we are at home against the Victoria Cougars.  No doubt, there will be a period of adjustment."

Passmore was a bit giddy with the transaction and had these final words.  "It was definitely exciting to make a deal like this and check off a need that we were looking for all season long, to find depth up front.  We already have our backend locked up and loaded and our goaltending situation is in nice shape.  Now with the additions today, we can give the opposition some different looks - we are pretty happy right now."

The Panthers are not done yet as they have one card still available to make a final move.  "We are looking to add a top end forward with our final card and if something is put in front of us, we will not hesitate to pull the trigger," stated the Coach.  "Ownership told everyone two years ago when they took over that it would take two years to get the ship righted.  I think we are there now and we hope to make a protracted run in the playoffs.  Yes, we are having a lot of fun in our Organization right now."

The Panthers will display their new firepower on Friday night when the Cougars invade the friendly confines of the Panorama Recreation Centre with the puck set to drop at 7:30 pm.  A very large crowd is expected to be in for this one.