The Peninsula Panthers played tough back-to-back games against the Victoria Cougars this past weekend.
In the first game between the rival teams on Thursday night, the Cougars downed the Panthers 4-2 at the Archie Browning Arena. Then on Friday night at Panorama Recreation Centre, the Panthers were defeated again, 6-3.
During Friday’s game, the Cougars opened up a 5-0 lead early in the third period, however, tallies from Panthers Will Finlay, Nathan Looysen and Jonas Horvath saw the Panthers get on the scoreboard.
But the story of Friday night’s game was not the score — it was the clear dislike both clubs have for each other, said Panthers’ Head Coach, Brian Passmore, who was thrown out of the game in the third period.
“I was choked and I let him have it,” said Passmore, referring to his reaction aimed at the referee after two fights broke out.
“Ben Meek had a tooth knocked out and Josh Adkins was high-sticked on a cheap play. We asked the referee to at least ask his linesmen if they had seen it and he refused. I was upset.”
Despite the rough games last weekend, Passmore said he is already looking forward to seeing the Cougars again Thursday night.
“We want to play a physical brand of hockey against them and we just want the guys calling the game to make it even,” said Passmore.
“Yes the Cougars have a good team but we do as well. We need every single kid in our club to come out and play hard and we need our goaltender to be better than solid.”
The rival squads face-off against each other in the first round of the VIJHL playoffs mid-month.
The Panthers play at home this Friday when they host the Oceanside Generals for a 7:30 p.m. game at Panorama.
