Leaving a Jr. B Legacy

Going into Game 6, with the Cougars taking a game lead in their O.T. win last night, the VIJHL championship series has been nothing short of expectations; we have seen hard battles, three of five games have ended in overtime, and it all comes down to the next 120 minutes of hockey for our Peninsula Panthers.  As we watch our team fight for the Brent Patterson Memorial Trophy, six Panthers are coming up on their age out and, as they have all year, battle to leave their Junior B legacy here with the Panthers.
 
Matthew Sheeran #77
In his 28 healthy games,  Matt has put up 8 goals and 16 assists, and his on and off-ice demeanor earned him MVP this year.  The physical 6'3" 190 lb. defenceman has made himself heard across the ice, with 59 PIM to date, Sheeran has become a driving force for the Panthers. 
 
Cody Breitenstein #33
With 7 goals and 33 assists in 65 games, Cody has set the tone game after game for both his defensive and offensive teammates.  The 6'2" Hawthorne, California Native has become a well-recognized face within the Panthers community, and one we have grown to depend on.  Cody is renowned to be a solid team player, the first to lift his team, the first at the gate, and the last on the ice.  The Panthers Assistant Captain is a constant drive to the net and, as his stats suggest, is a huge playmaker on the team.  We will not see any retreat from him in the upcoming games. 
 
Alex Milligan #15
Coming to us late in the season from Kerry Park, Alex has made himself known since day one, putting up 55 goals and 35 assists in the 66 games he has played in the league this season.  With 158 total PIM, Alex is always a part of the action; his constant attack and impressive stats earning him VIJHL Rookie of the Year.  His line has been dominant throughout these playoffs and he is one to watch, not only for the upcoming games, but for many seasons to come.  Alex is currently receiving greatly-deserved interest from universities, and has become a solid member of the Panthers. 
 
Tylor Branzsen #20
Tylor was another late addition for the Panthers, and has fast become a dependable source of fan excitement in these intense playoffs.  Four goals in 2 games, and his unforgettable Game 3 hat-trick, has given him a total of 26 goals and 34 assists in his 65 VIJHL games this season.  Panthers Management and Coaching staff knew this player would be a huge addition to the team and has given us 7 goals and 8 assists in these playoffs. 
 
Grayson Vickers #6
Anyone reading this will know, there is nothing holding this kid back, legacy-leaving or not. Gray is an exciting and effective player, and at 6'4" and 215 lbs., he isn't someone you can easily miss (proving very unfortunate for his targets).  Gray keeps us going, the game going, and you better believe the next 120 minutes of hockey play will not fall short of expectations.  Vickers has and will remain a fan favourite and he sets the bar for aggression throughout the game. With 9 goals, 12 assists and 132 PIM, Grayson is known for his force and passion, and somehow gets the crowd as crazy as him every game. 
 
 
Jackson Skerratt #25 
With 26 goals and 33 assists, and a modest 56 PIM, Jackson is reliable, and a favoured vet amongst his team and the crowds.   Seven goals and 4 assists in the playoffs has put him up with the best in points, and is key to the offensive drive on the team.  In his time with the Panthers, the hometown kid has become a huge component of the community morale both on and off the ice, and will undoubtedly be a key member of his team this weekend. 
 
Needless to say, tonight's game is one no hockey fan should miss.  It is now or never for these boys and a huge turnout is expected at the Panorama Recreation Centre for the 7:30 pm puck drop.  Whilst the future is coming for these six Panthers, you can bet that as they prepare themselves and their team for the Cougar showdown, tonight’s win is the only thing on their minds.
 
Game 7 (if necessary) will be played at the Archie Browning Arena on Sunday at 3:30 pm.