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Peninsula Panthers claw their way to an early lead in VIJHL playoff series

‘Will to win’ will be a determining factor says head coach
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Lucas Prewada carries the puck in the Peninsula Panthers’ VIJHL playoff series against the Saanich Predators. The Panthers lead 2-1 heading into Game 4. (Courtesy Christian J. Stewart Photography)

The first round of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League playoffs has been a battle but the Peninsula Panthers aren’t holding back.

Up 2-1 in their best-of-seven series against the Saanich Predators, the Panthers are looking to add a few more wins.

The first three games have all resulted in 3-2 scores with the Panthers taking Games 1 and 3 while Saanich claimed Game 2. To open the series, Game 1 saw the teams go into double overtime before a winner was decided.

“This series is exactly what our group thought it would be. The physicality in each of the games has been off the charts and every single play matters,” Panthers head coach and GM Pete Zubersky said in a statement. “This series is the most hotly contested of the four that are currently taking place in the league and I expect that the crowds will really start to swell. The will to win is important and will impact the result each night, no doubt about that.”

Game 4 goes Monday at 7:30 p.m. at the Panorama Recreation Centre, followed by Game 5 Wednesday, also at 7:30 p.m. but this time in Saanich.

If needed, Games 6 and 7 go March 10 at 7:30 p.m. and March 12 at 6 p.m.

READ MORE: Peninsula Panthers news


 

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