Panthers battle Centurions in hockey home opener

Forward Nolan Dawson (18), celebrating his goal with Walker Deroche, and Nolan Steen. Kim Pothier photo

By Mike Pothier
Prince Edward Collegiate Institute’s Panther Boys Hockey team battled hard in its season opener against the Centre Hastings Centurions eventually losing 4-2 in a fast, evenly matched game.

The Panther’s play-making started off slow as players have just been on the ice as a team for all but a couple of practices. On the other hand, the Centurions played together like a well-oiled machine and scored first. The Panthers started finding moments of spectacular play and tied it up, then gave up a goal, then tied it again 2-2. The Centurions eventually scored two unanswered goals to put the game away. However, the Panthers’ strong effort was well noted. Keegan Scott and Nolan Dawson had the goals for the Panthers while Jacob Kuipers, Nolan Steen and Walker Deroche had the helpers.

The Panthers have a little break to iron out team play that earned them a historical run last March to hockey’s COSSA Final Four.

The Panthers’ next game is in Belleville where they face the Centennial Chargers on Dec. 15 (2:15pm start) and they are back on home ice in Picton Dec. 20th against the powerhouse Saint T’s Titans with a puck drop at 3pm.

Photos by Kim Pothier

Defenseman Trevor Miller settling the play down behind his net while looking for a quick break out.

Goalie Carter Whitteker looking to make a play up ice as the Centurions and Panthers make line changes during the second period of play.