Panther girls have grit needed to go the distance

Story and photos by Mike Pothier
PECI’s Panther Girls 2015 players could be the school’s first girls hockey team to compete at OFSAA – if all continues to go well.

Coach Laurie Spencer

“We have a chance,” said head coach Laurie Spencer, director of athletics at PECI. “This year is the first year in a while that the girls hockey team could go all the way to OFSAA (Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations) in Kenora.”

Spencer notes competing at the OFSAA championships is an honour all athletes strive for, however, only a few ever get the opportunity.

“The biggest obstacle in the way is the St. T’s (Saint Theresa Secondary School) team which we must avoid meeting until the finals of the upcoming Bay of Quinte tournament. We need to end up second or third in the regular season to avoid them until the Bay of Quinte finals.”

Spencer notes the team’s path to come.

“We are classified as “AA” and would move on to compete in the AA COSSA (Central Ontario Secondary School Athletics) Championship in Peterborough on March 2nd. St. T’s has decided to play “AAA” in COSSA this year.”

“This will be an exciting couple of weeks for the school and girls hockey in the County. I believe if we get a full team effort and commitment required by all our players we will be able to achieve this honour.”

The team faced a tough and physical game last Wednesday against the ENSS (East Northumberland Secondary School) Blue Dragons. The Panthers eventually won 2-1 after dishing and receiving several bone crunching hits.

Amber Miller opened the scoring on a short-handed goal at the seven minute mark of the first period after Britney Payne took an unfortunate interference call.

Sam Ward and Cailey Jones assisted the goal. Cailey scored an unassisted goal in the dying seconds in the second period to put the game away as the strong Panther offensive continued to pin the Blue Dragons in their own end for most of the third period.

ENSS didn’t even have a chance to pull their goalie in the final minutes of the game to attempt the tie.

Team huddle with the coach

Sam Ward trying to beat Blue Dragon goalie’s far side.

Kassidie Wood storming down the side line.

Cailey Jones eyes the top shelf before releasing the shot