The Peninsula Panthers hope their latest player signing will give the hockey team much-needed presence in net.
On Monday, Panthers’ Head Coach Brad Tippett announced they had signed Chris Akerman of Salt Spring Island to fill the net during the 2017-18 Junior B hockey season.
According to Tippett, Akerman come with a big frame. At six-feet, five inches, “when he comes out and challenges the shooter, he is like an eclipse of the net. You just can’t teach being 6’5”.”
Tippett said Akerman spend some time as a goaltender with the Victoria Cougars a season ago and has spent the last season on the ice with the Cowichan Minor Hockey Association’s Midget team. He was also on the ice at the Panthers’ recent spring camp at Panorama Recreation Centre.
“In our camp, we has a number of goalies who stopped the puck consistently,” Tippett said. “Chris set himself apart by loudly communicating his understanding of the game to his teammates … He makes the defencemen’s job that much easier.”
Tippett added the team identified Akerman as a potential for the roster last fall and kept an eye on his, should he become available.
“We saw him again with the Cowichan Midgets. The minute he steps into the crease, he takes control …”
The coach said Akerman brings enthusiasm to the team.
In the lead up to the next hockey season, Tippett noted the Panthers should have additional player signings to announce.