The Peninsula Panthers have successfully claimed the 2009-2010 VIJHL Regular Season Title. This marks the second consecutive regular season title for returning veterans Brian Cross, David Courtney, Jake Bryan, Carson Baillie, Justin Isaac, and Erik Larsen.
The Panthers clinched the title with a hard fought 3-2 overtime win on Thursday night over the Saanich Braves. Across town, the Oceanside Generals defeated the Victoria Cougars to solidify the Panthers' lead. The Peninsula record of 38-6-4 gives them 80 points for the season, setting a club record.
Thursday nights game was very close with Saanich pressuring the Panthers several times and almost winning the game in the remaining seconds. However, goals by Tanner Carter (25), Max McCloy (19), and Brent Lucente's (16) overtime winner were enough to give the Panthers the victory.
The following night, the Peninsula Panthers hosted the Victoria Cougars in what proved to be a very special night at the Panorama Recreation Centre. In front of a capacity crowd, Panthers owner Jackson Penney and Panthers' former Captain Paul Haysom, hosted a pre-game ceremony for Peninsula Minor Hockey Alumni and former Panther Jamie Benn, a rookie with the Dallas Stars in the NHL.
Benn, who is currently enjoying a successful rookie season in the NHL with the Dallas Stars, returned home this week during the Olympic break. Jamie has spent the week dropping in with minor hockey practices and continues to be a strong role model in the community.
After hoisting Benn's number 12 to the rafters, the game got undeway with the Panthers defeating an injury depleted Victoria squad 4-1. Michael Colantone (27) led the way with two goals while Tanner Carter (25) and Craig Eisenhut (5)rounded out the scoring. Strong performances by both goaltenders Brady Berisoff (31) and Lukas Simpson (29), who split the game, allowed the Panthers to finish the season on a winning note. Tanner Burns scored the lone Cougars goal.
The VIJHL playoffs have now been set with the following matchups:
Westshore vs Peninsula
Saanich vs Victoria
Campbell River vs Kerry Park
Comox Valley vs Oceanside
A full playoff schedule will be posted to the Panther website on Monday, February 22, 2010
