Panthers Edge Huskies in Shootout Thriller

PORT HOPE, ON – The Port Hope Panthers battled back from a two-goal deficit and came out on top in a shootout, defeating the Frankford Huskies 3–2 in a tightly contested game.

After falling behind early, the Panthers regrouped in the second period with a pair of quick goals and eventually sealed the win in a dramatic six-round shootout.

Frankford struck first, opening the scoring in the first period at 17:07, Blake Ellis netted his first of the season, assisted by Ryan Turney and Parker Stewart. Despite a few chances on both ends, it was the only goal of the period, giving Frankford a 1–0 lead heading into the second.

The Huskies extended their lead at 4:05 of the second period when Liam Storms beat the Panthers netminder to make it 2–0, with helpers from Jake Sage and Spencer Stanutz.

But Port Hope wasn’t going away quietly.

Just over four minutes later, at 8:38, Christian Sokoljuk scored his second of the season to cut the deficit in half. Sidney Wakely and Travis Whitmore assisted on the goal, which sparked a momentum shift.

That momentum carried through to the final minutes of the period, when Spencer Eriksson evened the game with his third of the year at 17:59, off a slick feed from Avery Palmieri.

The teams entered the third period deadlocked at 2–2.

The final frame was intense and physical, featuring multiple penalties but no scoring. Both teams had chances on the power play, but the goaltenders stood tall. Overtime was more of the same — fast-paced, defensive hockey, but no winner emerged after seven minutes of 3-on-3 play.

With nothing decided in regulation or overtime, the game moved to a shootout.

Frankford shooters went 1-for-6, with only Spencer Stanutz beating the Panthers goalie. Port Hope responded with goals from Mike Hatfield and Ryerson Minifie, sealing the win in the sixth round.

The game featured 12 total penalties, including a 10-minute misconduct to Frankford’s Deke Osterhout in the third. Neither team was able to capitalize on the power play, but both penalty-kill units held strong when tested.

The Panthers will look to build off this comeback performance when they face the Trent Hills Thunder on Saturday October 4.

The evening also saw the Panthers honour the spirit of remembrance and raising awareness ahead of National Truth and Reconciliation Day on Tuesday September 30th. A very big thank you to Addy who joined us for a ceremonial puck drop and shared a special prayer belonging to Panthers defenceman Sidney Wakely’s Great Grandmother.