The Peninsula Panthers played their last home game before the Christmas break last week and thanks to team member Zack Smith’s two first period goals, the club is going out on a high.
The team came out on top in Friday night’s home game by a 5-4 count against the Kerry Park Islanders.
Smith scored on the power play against the visitors at the 5:59 mark and after Islander Alex Milligan tied the game midway through the period, Smith tallied again less than three minutes later to give the Panthers a 2-1 lead after 20 minutes of play.
Tate Coughlin and Grayson Vickers scored for the Panthers in the second period. However it was Islanders Braedan Cross with two of his own, and Cody Short with a single, who sent the game into the final period with the score knotted at four.
Thankfully Panthers’ rookie Sean Buchanan played hero with just over five minutes left in the game.
Panthers’ goalie Joey Karrer blocked 24 of 28 shots that were sent in his direction while Islanders net minder Leighton Williams stopped 23 of 28 along the way.
Panthers Zack Smith and Connor Logan (who chipped in with three assists during Friday’s game) and Braeden Cross for the Islanders were selected as the game’s three stars.
“We were sluggish in the second period,” said Panthers’ Head Coach and General Manager Brian Passmore.
“At one point we went down 4-3 but played a strong third period to come back for the win.”
The Panthers travel to Bear Mountain tonight (Wed., Dec. 18) to face-off against the Westshore Wolves. They then hit Pearkes Arena to play the Saanich Braves Friday night.
The squad will be back to Panorama Recreation Centre after Christmas to host the Braves on Friday, Dec. 27 at 7:30 p.m.