Panthers Tie Streaking Cobras

The Junior AA Lakeshore Panthers faced a stiff test last Wednesday, taking on the red hot Verdun/Lasalle Cobras, who were riding an 8-game winning streak. Despite trailing for most of the game, they earned a tough point, playing to a 5-5 draw.

The Panthers set the tone early, delivering a number of thunderous body checks that made the Cobras noticeably tentative in situations where they might expect contact. Center Kirk Baldo doled out the most punishment, making opponents pay for playing with their heads down.

Even still, the Cobras were able to build a 3-1 lead through nearly two periods, with the lone Lakeshore goal coming courtesy of Trevor Makad. However, some undisciplined play on the part of Verdun/Lasalle opened the door for the Panthers and a pair of power play goals by Trevor Somma and Chris Yeramian evened the score heading into the third.

Though the Panthers would dictate the pace in the final frame, they twice fell behind and needed goals by Ryan Fanning and Yeramian to draw even. Yeramian’s second of the night came on a rebound in the waning moments and brought the mark to 5-5.

With the momentum clearly in their favour and the crowd buzzing, the Panthers pressed for the win and had control deep in Cobra territory when the final horn sounded. You couldn't help but feel that if the game been a few minutes longer, the Panthers would have emerged on top.

Still, it was a moral victory, as they outplayed one of the elite teams in the province, even if it ended in a tie.

The teams will renew acquaintances in Verdun on February 9 in what promises to be an exciting match.