The Victoria Cougars will have to wait it out as the Peninsula Panthers and Saanich Braves fight to the bitter end. Because the never-say-die Panthers are at it again.
The Panthers staked themselves to a 4-0 lead and won 8-5 over the Braves in Game 6 of the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League semifinal series at Panorama Rec. Centre on Friday night (March 16).
It forces a seventh and deciding game at Pearkes arena, 4 p.m. on Saturday (March 17).
Dane Gibson and Trevor Yee put the Panthers up 2-0 in the first period on Friday.
Then came the type of 11-goal second period that makes junior B beautiful.
The Panthers scored two more from Joe Densmore and Josh Bloomenthal to lead 4-0, five minutes in to the middle frame.
The Braves responded with goals from James Kellington and Ty Jones at the eight and 10 minute marks.
But the Panthers poured in three more before the second intermission, one from David Stephens and two from Yee for the hat trick.
Dan Burkmar and Jack Palmer also scored in the second for the Braves.
The VIJHL finals begin Sunday (March 18) at Archie Browning Sports Centre against the host Victoria Cougars. The Cougars defeated the Kerry Park Islanders in five games of the other semifinal.