Panthers Find Scoring Touch vs. Thunder

PORT HOPE, ON – What began as a competitive back-and-forth game quickly spiraled into a battle of special teams and discipline. In the end, the Panthers capitalized on a parade to the penalty box, scoring three power-play goals en route to a 6–3 win over Trent Hills.

The game featured nine goals, a third-period fight, and over 80 minutes in combined penalties — but it was Port Hope’s poise on the man advantage that proved decisive.

Thunder opened the scoring late in the first period when Matthew Hinan buried his second of the season at 18:01, assisted by Brendan Reid. It was a well-earned lead after a tight-checking opening frame, but warning signs emerged as the Thunder took multiple penalties, including a 12-minute call on Hayden McLaughlin for head contact.

Panthers wasted little time responding in the second. On a power play at 7:19, Christian Sokoljuk knotted the game at 1–1, finishing a setup from Jacob Bone.

The Thunder briefly regained the lead when Russell Duguay scored his first of the year at 10:58, again assisted by Hinan. But the lead didn’t last long.

Panthers responded quickly with a pair of goals. Luca Damiani-Reis tied the game at 12:03 with an unassisted tally. Less than two minutes later, Avery Palmieri gave Port Hope their first lead of the night, converting a feed from Tyler Challice and Spencer Eriksson.

Heading into the third, PHP held a narrow 3–2 lead.

Just over two minutes into the third period, Trent Hills tied it up as Ryan Sherwin scored his first of the season, with Brendan Reid picking up his second assist.

However, the game unraveled shortly after. A major penalty for fighting and head contact assessed to Trent Hills Thomas Bull at 3:10 swung momentum firmly in Port Hope’s favor. On the ensuing power play, Panthers struck twice in just 20 seconds. At 3:30, Sutton Scheck made it 4–3 on the man advantage, assisted by Bone. Moments later, Spencer Eriksson added his fourth of the year, finishing off a slick passing play from Bone (his third assist) and Sokoljuk.

Thunder couldn’t recover. Despite pushing late, they were unable to break through, and Mike Hatfield sealed the win for the Panthers with an empty-net goal at 14:22 — his first of the season.

In a game where special teams played a critical role, Trent Hills inability to stay out of the penalty box proved costly. The team racked up over 40 minutes in penalties, including two game misconducts and multiple major penalties.

Port Hope, by contrast, made the most of their opportunities, going 3-for-5 on the power play and keeping their composure when it mattered most.

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Stat Leaders

• Jacob Bone (PHP): 3 Assists

• Christian Sokoljuk (PHP): 1 Goal, 1 Assist

• Matthew Hinan (THT): 1 Goal, 1 Assist

• Brendan Reid (THT): 2 Assists

• Spencer Eriksson (PHP): 1 Goal, 1 Assist (4th goal of season)

Panthers return to the ice Monday night at home when they welcome the Frankford Huskies to town. Puck drop is set for 8:00 PM.