The Peninsula Panthers sealed the deal on two close games over the weekend against Parksville’s Oceanside Generals and the Comox Glacier Kings.
On Friday, Oct. 12 the Panthers took the win against the Generals in a tight 4-3 game that wasn’t decided until forward Zack Smith bounced one from behind the net off Generals goaltender Kiefer Giroux with 4:34 remaining in the third period.
Also hitting the score sheet for the Panthers in Friday’s game against the Generals were team captain Patrick Croome, Cole Golka and Cody Allison.
Golka added two assists and was named the game’s first star while Allison was awarded with the second star and Croome the third. Goaltender Justin Samra blocked 18 of 21 shots in collecting the win.
On Saturday, Oct. 13 the team ventured North to Comox to take on the Glacier Kings who were riding an eight-game winning streak. Eighteen-year-old Cody Allison scored the only goal for the Panthers but it proved to be enough as the Panthers squeaked out a 1-0 win.
“Yes, winning feels good,” said Coach Rob Armstrong after the game in Comox. “I’m proud of the guys and their relentless puck pursuit and how they managed the puck under pressure. The kids are having a good laugh at the back of the bus, and (it feels like) a true team is being formed.”
The Panthers hope to extend their own winning streak tomorrow, Oct. 18, when they travel to Nanaimo to take on the Buccaneers.
The team will be back home Friday to welcome the Campbell River Storm for their first visit of the year. The puck drops at the Panorama Recreation Centre at 7:30 p.m.