FRIDAY DEC 8 – WELLINGTON 5 PICKERING 2
The Panthers headed east to Wellington on Friday to continue their string of road games. This time, they were without two key players: Ben Pickell (World Jr A Challenge) and Hunter Svicki (injury) and they weren’t able to overcome their absence. The Cats were always behind in this game, with Jamie Darlison (12th) tying the game at one in the first and Nick Athanasakos (22nd) scoring on a short-handed breakaway to make it 3-2 for the Dukes. Wellington added two more later in the third for the 5-2 victory. Glen McInnes made 43 saves in net as the Panthers were outshot 48-29.