The Peninsula Panthers took care of business in the opening round of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) playoffs, defeating the Westshore Wolves in five games.
Round one ended Monday night at the Panorama Recreation Centre, with the Panthers pouncing early and often in a 6-2 victory.
Panthers head coach Tyler Stanton was complimentary of his team's performance from the get-go.
"It was a really hard-fought series against a very good opponent," said Stanton. "I was very pleased with how our team showed up from game one. Just like in the regular season, scoring was spread across the lineup, and our goalies were up to the challenge."
Alex Sajan, a 2006-born forward from Penetanguishene, Ont., led the way offensively for the Panthers in round one, accumulating nine points in five games, which is the most by any player in VIJHL playoff scoring.
Sajan, part of the Panthers' most productive line alongside Brendan Williams and captain Ethan Lingard, was a driving force for the group throughout the season, and now in the playoffs.
The three forwards combined for 22 points in the five-game opening series.
"I think the best way to describe his play right now would be to say he is on a 'heater.' He had a really solid year all season for us, but this first-round performance was phenomenal," said Stanton. "He spent a lot of time reading reports and scouting the Wolves' goalies, which helped lead to his success. A lot of his goals weren't from stationary positions either. HeB次元官网网址檚 a real driver for us right now, an absolute difference maker."
Another key to the PanthersB次元官网网址� success came from the crease, with Hunter Farrer leading the way.
"He was lights out for us, providing a stable presence in our own end, which gives the team confidence to do their thing," said Stanton. "He seemed very in control, which is a huge bonus for the team."
In four games, Farrer went 3-1-0, with a 1.49 goals against average and a .942 save percentage.
Farrer split the workload throughout the regular season, playing in 25 games, while Merik Grinaker suited up in 30.
"Grinaker was our bread and butter during the regular season, stepping in during game four to give us a chance to win a pivotal game," said Stanton. "Having two goalies you trust to provide opportunities to win games during this time of year is massive."
While the Panthers have moved on to the divisional finals, they will be awaiting the result of the other semifinal between the Victoria Cougars and the Kerry Park Islanders.
The Cougars and Islanders are currently deadlocked at two games apiece, with game five slated for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Kerry Park Arena.
Peninsula squared off with both teams six times during the 2024-25 season, with the Panthers prevailing in half of those matchups.
Regardless of who the Panthers face in the following round, Stanton is confident they are prepared for the challenge.
"This next round is going to be a close one, regardless of the opponent," said Stanton. "I like our game right now, and IB次元官网网址檓 sure this will be an electric series, something fans will be eager to watch."
Round two dates will be determined following the conclusion of the Cougars and Islanders battle, with home-ice yet to be determined based on regular-season standings.
On the other side of the Island, the Campbell River Storm swept the Lake Cowichan Kraken, while the Port Alberni Bombers have pushed the Comox Valley Glacier Kings to the brink of elimination by winning the first three games.
