Cat's Back on Track

Cat's On Track

Panthers Nick Chalecki's goal at 11:17 of the second period on a rush with line-mates Ross Pattison and Justin Isaac, proved to be all the offence they would need as they blanked the home town Kerry Park Islanders 1-0 last night.

Panthers were once again playing shorthand on the blue line as Jake Bryan's injury will keep him out for another week or two, and David Courtney was serving a one game suspension. Cat's called up 15 year-old Braden Pears who was sent out in a lot of key situations, and played very well. Pears joined a Panthers rush in the second period and almost scored his first junior goal. The defensive part of the game was huge last night, as the Panthers penalty kill game up big stopping all seven Islanders power plays including two five on three attempts.

Scott Ismond made some big saves to pick up his first shut-out of the season stopping all 30 shots fired his way. Panthers out-shot the Isles 34-30.

The win moves the Panthers three points up on the second place Victoria Cougars, and have played two less games than the Cougars. Panthers magic number to clinch the Andy Hebenton Trophy handed out to the VIJHL Regular Season League Champions is seven. Any Combination of seven Panther wins or losses by the Cougars in the remaining games will do it.

Come on out this Friday night and make some noise for your Panthers, as they can lower their magic number when they host the Saanich Braves. Puck Drops at 7:30 pm.

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