The Westshore Wolves drew first blood in their best-of-seven Vancouver Island Hockey League South division semifinal series with Peninsula Panthers on Monday night.
The Wolves scored three second-period goals en route to a 4-3 win at Panorama Rec Centre in North Saanich. Corey Peterson had two goals and two assists to lead the Wolves, who also got 46 saves from Matt Chester. Brett Lervold and Kyle Richter added a goal and two assists for the winners.
Sean Buchanan, Alex Milligan and Jackson Skerratt had a goal and an assist each for the Panthers, who head to West Shore Parks and Recreation to play the Wolves in Game 2 tomorrow night (Feb. 19). Game 3 goes Friday back at Panorama.
Meanwhile, the first-place Victoria Cougars host the No. 4 Kerry Park Islanders in Game 1 of their series Thursday (Feb. 20) at 7 p.m. at Archie Browning Sport Centre.
The Saanich Braves head to Courtenay tonight to play North champ Comox Valley in Game 1 of their crossover series, then return to Saanich for Game 2 Thursday at Pearkes Arena at 6 p.m.
All of the first-round matchups are slated for completion by month’s end.