PECI Panther hockey heading for all-Ontario

Sam Ward splits the defensive line with her charge at the Red Hawk net.

Story and photos by Mike Pothier
PECI Panther Girls Hockey will pack for OFSAA, all-Ontario competition this weekend – a first-time for this level of competition for the high school’s hockey teams.

The team is flying out Saturday to Winnipeg, and will bus to Kenora, Ontario to compete in this year’s  OFSAA (Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations) against the top A/AA school teams in the province.

With hosting COSSA tournament team Saint Mary’s, bowing out of the OFSSA race prior to the tournament puck drop, the opportunity doors were opened for the Panthers.

The Panthers won the COSSA bronze medal game Monday, 5-1 over the Centennial Chargers.

Panther Amber Miller had a fantastic game from the blue line scoring 2 goals and adding 2 assists. Abby Terpstra had a goal and 2 assists. Brooke Jackson and Kassidie Wood added single goals. Cailey Jones had 2 assists and Alex Staley provide an additional helper.

Early in the morning, the Panthers had lost to the Haliburton Highlands Secondary School Red Hawks 3-1. Cailey scored the single tally set up by Brooke and Sam Ward.

The Panther  thank the local community and media for all their support during their dream run to OFSAA.
The team is asking for help and support from the community as the cost for travel to compete at this level of hockey is expensive for the school and players’ families. Donations would be greatly appreciated at the school, directed toward the Panther Girls OFSAA championship.

Amber Miller dumping the puck back into the Chargers Corner.

Brooke Jackson stick handling the puck through the neutral zone against the Red Hawks.

Sam Ward and Brooke Jackson work puck toward the Charger net.

Panther goal celebration in bronze medal game.