With about a month left in the regular season, the Peninsula Panthers’ head coach is optimistic the injuries that have been plaguing the team are on the mend.
“When one guy is out it hurts but we have been playing with six to eight guys out on a nightly basis and that string of bad luck looks like it is coming to an end,” said coach and general manager Pete Zubersky. “I am being patient with the guys who are out and would rather hold them back an extra seven to 10 days to ensure they are ready for the playoffs. It gives others an extended opportunity and that too will pay dividends when it counts the most.”
Andrew Braun is expected to return to the lineup Friday when the Panthers face off against the Westshore Wolves in Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League action. Zubersky said four other injured players are getting closer to returning every day.
Returning from injury for last Friday’s contest against the Lake Cowichan Kraken, Ethan Lingard was a force to be reckoned with in the 3-2 win.
“Lingard battled and it was catchy as we had a great effort out of every guy in the lineup,” Zubersky said.
That lineup had a little more depth thanks to the help of three affiliate players from the Peninsula Minor Hockey Association.
“We have a month to really get things right before the post-season begins and I fully expect we will be ready to make some hay when that happens.”
The Panthers face off against the Wolves at the Panorama Recreation Centre Friday with a 7:30 p.m. puck drop.
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