Port Hope Panthers lose 7-0 in home opener

Panthers’ forward Carson Perry (97) skates past an Amherstview player on a break to shoot on net during Saturday’s home opener, which Port Hope lost 7-0. /Tim Burgess photos

By sports correspondent Alan Rivett

The Port Hope Panthers’ season/home opener didn’t go exactly to plan against the Amherstview Jets at the Jack Burger Sports Complex on Saturday, Sept. 12.

An experienced Jets squad soared past the Panthers 7-0 in Ontario Junior Hockey League Tod Division action.

After a scoreless first period, the visitors scored four unanswered goals in the second frame and added three more in the final period to nail down the win.

While the score was lopsided, the shots on goal went in favour of the Panthers who outshot the visitors 32-27.

With an abbreviated pre-season and a team consisting mostly of rookies with only a few players returning to the lineup in the off-season, new head coach Drew Allenby said it would take some time in order for the team to gel. Thus, patience and working toward consistency in the team’s play will supersede wins in the early going of the 2026-27 season, noted Allenby, in an interview prior to Saturday’s season opener.

Hudson Maro (13) has been added to the Panthers’ lineup this year and is described as a fast and highly-skilled forward. 

“I am excited about the prospects of this team, but, you know, it’s going to be a process and a journey,” he said.

Port Hope Mayor Olena Hankivsky was among those on hand for the ceremonial puck drop at the home opener last Saturday. Ahrianna McLean sang the national anthem prior to the game.

Port Hope Mayor Olena Hankivsky and Deputy Mayor Adam Pearson are seen here with Panthers’ veteran player Mike Hatfield (23) and Amherstview Jets’ player Carter McKee (19) at the opening puck drop at Saturday’s home opener. Singer Ahrianna McLean is seen looking on.

The Panthers will try again on Saturday, Sept. 19 when the Napanee Raiders come to the Jack Burger Sports Complex. The puck drops at 7:30 p.m.

In the aftermath of Saturday’s loss to Amherstview, the Panthers have added defenceman Carson Stolte to the lineup. He’s billed as a gritty, hard-nosed defenceman who isn’t afraid to battle for pucks, according to the team’s Facebook page.

Port Hope Panthers’ goalie Reese Deline (30) gives a thumbs up before the game.

The Panthers have also added forward Hudson Maro to the fold. He’s described as a fast and highly-skilled forward who fits into what is being built in Port Hope.