The official team site of the Peninsula Panthers, proud members of the VIJHL, an independent junior hockey league associated with the BCHL

Panthers to face Campbell River in VIJHL Finals

Story and Photos by Christian J. Stewart

March 24, 2025

North Saanich, BC – The Peninsula Panthers have advanced to the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League (VIJHL) Championship final series for the first time since winning the title in the 2021-2022 season.

The Panthers will now face the Campbell River Storm in a best of seven series beginning Monday night, March 24th (7:30pm) at Panorama Recreation Centre in North Saanich.

The Panthers advanced to the final after a 5-3 win last Monday night at Panorama against the regular season South Division and League Champion Kerry Park Islanders, sweeping that series four games to none.  Prior to that, the Panthers dispatched the Westshore Wolves in five games in the first round of the playoffs.

The Storm, who narrowly beat out the Port Alberni Bombers for the North Division regular season title, faced those same Bombers in the North Division final and bested them four games to two to advance.   In the first round, the Storm swept the Lake Cowichan Kraken four games to none.

The Panthers and Storm met four times in the 2024-2025 regular season, splitting the games with two wins each.  All games were close and it is anticipated that this will be an exciting and close final series. 

The Panthers will hold home ice advantage in the final series thanks to their better record in the regular season, 78 points compared to the Storm’s 67.

FULL SCHEDULE (Home Game in Bold)

Game 1, Monday March 24, 7:30 PM Panorama Recreation Centre
Game 2, Wednesday March 26, 7:30 PM Rod Brind’Amour Arena

Game 3, Friday March 28, 7:30 PM Panorama Recreation Centre

Game 4, Saturday March 29, 7:30 PM Rod Brind’Amour Arena

Game 5, Tuesday April 1, 7:30 PM Panorama Recreation Centre*

Game 6, Wednesday April 2, 7:30 PM Rod Brind’Amour Arena*

Game 7, Friday April 4, 7:30 PM Panorama Recreation Centre*

(*if required)

As noted, Monday’s game one at Panorama and Game 3 Friday are 7:30 pm starts.  Admission at the door is s $12 ,$9 for youth (ages 13-18), and $2 for kids 12 and under.  

Peninsula Panthers forward Brendan Williams attempts to get by Campbell River Storm defender Ludovic Filion (55) during a game last September at Panorama Recreation Centre.  The Panthers and Storm begin game one of the VIJHL finals Monday night at 7:30 pm at Panorama Recreation Centre (Photo: Christian J. Stewart).