While the Panther Mites lost to the Richmond Royals in the CBHL Championship Game, they should keep their heads held high.  On Saturday night, the Panthers came out firing against the only team in the CBHL to defeat them, the Ashburn Xtreme 1 Mites.  The Panthers offense stormed to a 3-0 lead in the 2nd period and the Panthers looked to be well on their way to the finals.  The Xtreme never gave up adding 2 goals in less than 4 minutes in the final period and the game was 3-2 drawing close.  However, with only 2 minutes remaining a great pass came to the Panthers who took it down on a breakaway beating the Xtreme goalie to make it a 4-2 game.  The Panthers defense who had been strong all season took over keeping the puck away from the Xtreme and forcing their offense to the boards and away from the goalie.  The Panthers earned their trip to the Finals against the Richmond Royals.

In the Finals, the Royals had a good game plan and took a 1-0 in a scramble at the Panthers crease with just :01 left in the first period.  The Panthers held tight on defense and did their best to keep the shots to a minimum allowing only 12 total shots for the Royals.  The Royals scored twice in the period to take a 3-0 lead in almost the same manner as the Panthers did against the Xtreme.  Showing lots of heart and courage, the Panthers scraped and made every attempt to get past the Royals.  The Panthers added a goal in the 3rd period but could not score again.  Hats off to the Royals, who had their toughest games of the season against the Panthers.  The Panthers had tied the Royals earlier in the year as they ended the 2011-2012 season undefeated.  The Panthers played tough and will end their season with the Spring Screamer this weekend in Hackensack, NJ

GREAT JOB PANTHERS, WE ARE PROUD OF YOU!!

The Panther Mites swept into the playoffs in the final weekend of the CBHL regular season with a tough 3-2 win over the Metro Maple Leafs and a 16-0 win over the Howard Huskies.

The Panthers travelled to Odenton, MD to take on a tough Metro Maple Leafs team.  After jumping out to a 3-0 lead the Maple Leafs staged a comback.  Down 2 players in the penalty box with just 2 minutes remaining in the game, the Panthers penalty kill team took over clearing the puck and nearly netting an empty net goal.  The final score was 3-2.

On Sunday, the Panthers took on a visting Howard Huskies club who travelled nearly an hour and half to the game. After a tough ride, it was difficult for them to get on track.  The Panthers did a great job passing and skating while defeating the Huskies 16-0.

Up next is the CBHL Playoffs in Columbia, Maryland on Saturday, March 4th.  The time and opponent will be determined when all of the scores have been reported.