Short-staffed Panthers run out of gas

Posted By JEFF GARD

Port Hope had just 14 skaters -- nine forwards and five defencemen -- available for the Empire junior C game in Napanee, due to a variety of reasons including illness and school commitments.

They led 1-0 after the first period, and the score was even 2-2 after two before the Raiders netted three-unanswered third period goals in 5-2 win to move one point ahead of Port Hope for the top spot in the standings.

"We could hang in there for two periods, but in the third we just ran out of gas, plain and simple," said Panthers head coach Matt Muir.

Port Hope's bench got shorter in the second period when the Panthers lost defenceman Cal Johnston to injury.

Johnston was having a strong outing, having scored earlier in the frame and assisting on Kyle Giroux's first-period tally.

Jon Hull, the Panthers goalie, was kept busy, but stopped 46 of the 50 shots he faced. The fifth Raiders goal was scored into an empty net.

When it came to special teams, there was the good and the bad.

Muir was pleased with his club's discipline. The Panthers were called for just five minor penalties, only one of which resulted in a Napanee power play. The Raiders scored on their only man-advantage opportunity.

As for Port Hope's power play, that would be the 'bad.' They were 0-for-7 with the extra man.

"The difference in the game was the power play. Our power play was not good at all," Muir said. "We had more opportunities, including a four-minute power play, but we just couldn't get anything going." 

Muir expected to spend a great deal of time working on the power play at last night's practice. With more players available, the work spent in practice will carry over to Saturday night's home game against the Campbellford Rebels.

"This weekend we'll be able to work on some things," Muir said, adding, "we're certainly not going to take Campbellford lightly because we need the two points."

Panthers getting into the Olympic spirit

The Port Hope Panthers and the Municipality of Port Hope invite the public to a Free Olympic Public Skate between 2 and 3 p. m. at the Jack Burger Sports Complex on Saturday. The Panthers will be skating and signing autographs and draws for prizes will be happening during the skate.

That evening, the Panthers take on the Rebels at 6:30 p. m. Fans are encouraged to wear their Team Canada or hockey jerseys to the rink/game.

The puck will be dropped by Paul Appleman and Jeremy Coughler -- both 2010 Olympic Torch Bearers from Port Hope.

During the first intermission, Port Hope Minor Hockey Tim Bits will be playing an exhibition game while Port Hope Figure Skating will have a soloist during the second intermission of the game