The Peninsula Panthers took full advantage of their opportunities Wednesday night, edging the Campbell River Storm 4-3 in game two of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) championship series.
A fast start on special teams proved crucial, as the Panthers struck twice on the power play in the first period while successfully killing off all three Storm man advantages.
Despite pushback from Campbell River, Peninsula held firm to secure the win and take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven final.
Panthers head coach Tyler Stanton credited his team’s ability to execute early, especially in a tough road environment.
"We had a couple of key power plays to start off in the first, and I actually think we were shorthanded no more than 30 seconds into the game," Stanton said. "They found a way to get it done in a hostile environment, and at this time of year, it doesn’t really matter how, as long as they’re finding a way to do it."
Brendan Williams and Oskar Aitken Salmons each converted on power plays in the opening frame, giving the Panthers an early edge in front of 1,010 spectators at the Rod Brind’Amour Arena in Campbell River.
Panthers captain Ethan Lingard extended the lead in the second period before Alex Sajan’s third-period tally stood as the game-winner. Lingard finished the night with three points, bringing his league-leading postseason total to 18.
"He’s leading by example," Stanton said of his captain. "He’s been through a championship run before, and it shows. He’s doing everything we need him to do – penalty killing, blocking shots, mixing it up. That leadership is something you can’t teach, and it’s been contagious."
Campbell River responded with goals from Jacob Kulas, Logan Wright, and Logan Vigneault but couldn’t find the equalizer in a scoreless third period.
Goaltending played a key role, with Kaeden Serpa stopping 39 shots for the Storm and Hunter Farrer making 34 saves for the Panthers.
With a chance to take a commanding 3-0 series lead, the Panthers now return home for Game three on Friday at Panorama Recreation Centre.
Stanton stressed the importance of discipline and attention to detail as his team looks to push Campbell River to the brink.
"Little things are key," Stanton said. "This time of year, every mistake is magnified. We have to make sure our attention to detail is at an all-time high and take it one step at a time."
