Skip to content

‘Crazy 8’s,’ Panthers win again

Game kicked off with an on-ice ceremony featuring 98-year-old WWII veteran Commander Peter Chance
14370445_web1_PNR-PanthersActionNov9
There was frantic action in the second period last Friday as Panthers’ goaltender Connor McKillop looks to corral a loose puck which is in harm’s way. (Gordon Lee photography)

The Peninsula Panthers magical home winning streak continued Friday night when a Tanner Wort overtime marker against the visiting Saanich Braves was the difference in a heart-stopping victory.

Wort wiggled down the left wing and then made a creative toe-drag to undress a Braves’ defenceman before blasting the puck past the visitors starting goaltender Chris Combiadakis.

And with the tally, Wort extended the “Cats” improbable win streak in the friendly confines of the Panorama Recreation Centre to eight, this time a 5-4 result. And as Panthers’ superfan Spencer Judson was telling anyone who would listen immediately after the winner: “Crazy 8’s.”

RELATED: Peninsula Panthers edge out Oceanside Generals on home ice

Panthers forward 17-year-old Riley Braun was remarkable in the win and was easily the best player on the ice; His relentless effort in both ends of the ice was a huge difference in the game and was one of the sparks that yet again lit the flame.

Braun opened the scoring at the 8:26 mark of the first period when he intercepted an errant Braves’ pass and drilled a shot past a startled Combiadakis.He would score again in the third when he gathered in a pass off the stick of mate Josh Lingard and once again made no mistake to complete the play.

Forwards Jack Taylor and Bryson Hines also scored for the Panthers in the overtime win while Connor McKillop picked up the win between the pipes.

RELATED: Peninsula Panthers extend home win streak to 4

The Panthers will face a huge test this Friday when the Victoria Cougars come in looking to put an end to the local’s home-ice dominance.

The Panthers knocked off their cross-town rivals back on September 21 to get the streak underway and now will be looking to beat them again to run it to nine.

Coach Brad Tippett commented on his Club. “We have a solid week of practice planned with an additional team-building exercise,” said Coach Brad Tippett. Attention to special teams has been hampered by fatigue – 6 games in 10 days – injuries and BCHL call-ups, so we hope to address some of those issues.”

Still, he pointed out, the Panthers are dealing with three injured players – Jonah Ragsdale out indefinitely and veterans Alex Benger and Jack McMillian progressing but not 100 per cent.

“Due to the complete difference in the Cougars and Panthers team philosophy, even regular season games versus Victoria always carry playoff intensity. Their last visit here was a hard-fought last minute 2-1 victory.”

With “Crazy 8’s” out of the way the Panthers are hoping that a cat truly does have nine lives when they face the Victoria Cougars at the Panorama Recreation Centre where the puck drops at 7:30 p.m.


Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter