Tough Opening Night as Panthers Fall 7-0

PORT HOPE, ON – The Panthers dropped the puck on the 2025/26 season at home on Saturday when they welcomed the defending Division Champions Napanee Raiders to the Jack Burger Sports Complex.

Port Hope faced a strong opponent in Napanee and came up short in a game that saw the visitors capitalize on their scoring chances and maintain steady pressure throughout 60-minutes.

The Raiders opened the scoring early in the first period and never looked back, netting two goals before the intermission. Despite some solid shifts and a few quality scoring chances from the Panthers, the Raiders’ offense proved relentless, adding two more in the second and three in the final frame.

Port Hope’s lone power play came late in the third after a charging call against Napanee, but the Panthers were unable to capitalize. Goaltender and defensive efforts were tested all night by Napanee’s sustained pressure and offensive depth.

The team will look to regroup and refocus as they prepare for their next game on Sunday vs. Trent Hills.

Prior to puck drop, the team was joined by The Port Hope Piper, recently graduated players Cole Papageorgiou, Liam Kelly, Leyton Aitken, Blake Hudson and former Captain Oz Paziuk as well as members of Council including Mayor Hankivsky for a Ceremonial Puck Drop.

Next Game: Sunday September 14 vs. Trent Hills Thunder at the Sunny Life Recreation Centre