And so it ends. The 2025-26 season came to a close with the Panthers’ 4-1 loss in Game 4 of the East Conference Finals. The Hurricanes scored two in the first, including a PP goal, before Matt Indovina added his 7th of the playoffs with 5 seconds remaining in the period. That is as close as Pickering came, as Newmarket added second- and third-period goals to make it a 4-1 final.
Losing four games in a row in the Conference Final was not how the Panthers wanted to end their season, but when they reflect back, they can be proud of what they accomplished. Few would have believed back in September that the Panthers would place third in the East Conference regular season standings, win their first two playoff rounds and play for the East Conference Championship. Despite losing a number of key players to the QMJHL three months into the season, the Panthers managed to slowly build the roster back up with veteran players who ended up being major contributors to the team’s ultimate success. Daniel Giusti and Anthony Sciere formed the backbone of the team in net, with Sciere coming into his own as a star in the team’s three playoff rounds.
The determination and never-quit attitude on this team stemmed not only from the team leaders on the ice, but also from excellent team management off the ice. This was a season where Connor Armour won OJHL Coach of the Year and Sean Meyers won OJHL GM of the Year in their first year with Pickering.
A number of overage players have now played their final Panther game – Gabe Ciarallo, Matt Indovina, Charlie Key, Jake Mallory, Kyle Kavc and Marco Costante. We wish them success in whatever path they now choose to pursue. No one knows who else will return next season. Undoubtedly, a few players may choose to move on to university, but hopefully, there will be more that will return to form the core of next season’s Panther team. Tyler Bruce (Soo Greyhounds) and Ty Robar (Kingston Frontenacs), both OJHL draft picks, are also players to watch as they could be playing in the league next season.
It’s been a fun ride … see you next season.
