Halifax West Warriors claim Panther Classic title for second time in four years

Jeremy Fraser

Published Dec 09, 2024  •  Last updated 5 days ago  •  1 minute read

GLACE BAY – For the second time in four years, the Halifax West Warriors left Glace Bay with a championship banner.

Halifax West claimed the Panther Classic high school hockey tournament title, defeating the Cobequid Educational Centre Cougars of Truro 5-2 in the championship game at Miners Forum on Sunday. Luc Pineau had a four-point performance, which included two goals, while Quinn Boran had a goal and two assists and Jake O’Connor and Jamieson Ford also had goals for the Warriors.

Ben Poehl scored both goals for the Cougars.

Halifax West’s Logan Henry made 16 saves. CEC’s Sam Oxner stopped 23 of 27 shots.

The Warriors also won the Panther Classic title in 2021.

Earlier in the day, Halifax West secured their spot in the championship game with an 8-2 win over the Memorial Marauders in the semifinal.

Thomas Panopalis scored three times while Pineau, Ford, Kyle Parsons, Carson Smith and Evan Morash also added goals for the Warriors.

Carter Petite and Noah Tremblett replied with goals for the Marauders.

Halifax West’s Henry made 18 saves. Memorial’s Levi Hull stopped 26 of 34 shots.

In the second semifinal, CEC defeated the host Glace Bay Panthers 4-1.

Jacob McClellan scored twice while Dan MacLean and Ethan Wolfe also fired home goals for the Cougars.

Ryan White had the lone goal for the Panthers.

CEC’s Oxner made 13 saves. Glace Bay’s Brandon MacNeil stopped 23 of 27 shots.

Glace Bay finished the round robin portion of the tournament with a 2-1-0-1 record. The team posted wins over the Avon View Avalanche of Windsor 3-2 in overtime on Saturday and a 13-3 win on Thursday against the Sydney Academy Wildcats, while losing 7-3 to Halifax West and 3-2 in a shootout to CEC, both games on Friday.

The next local high school hockey tournament is scheduled for Jan. 9-12 when Sydney Academy hosts the Blue and White Contractor Club at the Membertou Sport and Wellness Centre.