PANTHERS SWEEP WEEKEND AND MOVE INTO FIRST PLACE IN THE NORTH DIVISION
FEBRUARY 12 – KERRY PARK vs PENINSULA PANTHERS
The Peninsula Panthers earned victories against the Oceanside Generals and the Kerry Park Islanders on the weekend.
At home on Friday night, the Panthers beat the Cyclone Taylor Hosts for 2010, the Oceanside Generals, 5-2 in a chippy affair.
Oceanside's Nolan Zaruzan (14) opened the scoring just 1:21 into the first period on a nice rush finished with a topshelf backhand. Although being scored on early, Panthers’ netminder Brady Berisoff (31) rebounded and played a great game the rest of the way. Peninsula's top scorer Evan Campbell (11) got the home team back on even terms with a power play goal midway through the period..
The second period saw the Panthers offence come to life starting with another goal from Campbell. Craig Eisenhut (5) then tipped a fantastic point shot from Mike Scarborough (2) to give the Panthers the lead. Although being rostered with the team on December 1st, Eisenhut made his Panthers’ debut versus the Generals due to medical reasons. Just over a minute after the Eisenhut goal, Gerry Fitzgerald (21) and Brent Lucente (16) were sent out 4 on 4 and the result was a highlight goal from Fitzgerald.
In the third, veteran Brian Cross (4) cemented the win with a short handed goal assisted by Carson Baillie (22). Both Panthers veterans have played some of their best hockey of the season in the last few weeks.
In the third, veteran Brian Cross (4) cemented the win with a short handed goal assisted by Carson Baillie (22). Both Panthers veterans have played some of their best hockey of the season in the last few weeks.
The General's Kyle Yamasaki (17)finished off the scoring in what turned out to be a rough 3rd period.
Three Star Selections:
1. Brian Cross
2. Craig Eisenhut
3. Gerry Fitzgerald
FINAL SCORE – PANTHERS 5 – OCEANSIDE 2
FEBRUARY 13 - PENINSULA PANTHERS vs OCEANSIDE GENERALS
The Panthers hit the road the following night to face of against the North Island leading Kerry Park Islanders.
The Islanders came out swinging and scored just two minutes into the game as Cole Peterson (7) converted on an early power play. The Islanders strongly outplayed the Panthers in the early going as the visiting team spent the first period taking several undisciplined penalties. Halfway through the period, Panthers sniper Brent Lucente (16) scored on the power play from Max McCloy (19) and seemed to get the visitors going. Gerry Fitzgerald (21) scored a top corner goal with three minutes to go in the period. It was the 16 year old rookies 5th goal in 5 games.
The second period was all Panthers again. Carson Baillie (22) and Tanner Carter (25) both scored in the middle frame and the Panthers led 4-1 after 40 minutes.
The third period saw mostly lacklustre play as the game was out of reach. Scoring for the Panthers were Craig Eisenhut (5), Brian Cross (4), and Brock Dodsworth (15).
These two wins, combined with a 5-0 loss for the Victoria Cougars against the Saanich Braves, moved the Panthers into first place in the South Division.
The Panthers have two games remaining in the regular season. Thursday, February 18th against the Saanich Braves and Friday, February 19th vs the Victoria Cougars. This night will also see the Panthers’ retire the jersey of NHL star, Jamie Benn, who is now playing for the Dallas Stars in the NHL.
