Sunday night in North Saanich, the defending champion Panthers got an early reminder that the Vancouver Island Junior Hockey League’s 2025-26 season isn’t going to hand anything out for free. The Cougars jumped on Peninsula right from the start, making pre-season feel like the real deal. Across the Island, Westshore kicked things off with a 9-3 win over Saanich on Aug. 20, then fell just short 4-3 to the Predators a few nights later. Oceanside doubled up Nanaimo 6-3, while Lake Cowichan edged Comox Valley 4-2. For Peninsula, the scoreboard mattered less than finding its footing with a roster stacked with rookies. Marcus Nichols put the Panthers on the board first, but Tyler Delli-Carri and Cater Stamp-Vincent quickly answered for Victoria, giving the Cougars a brief lead. Wyatt Martel made sure Peninsula wasn’t out of it, scoring just 36 seconds later. But Victoria kept coming. Haydyn Brooks, Tee Hagel, and Carter Brooks added three more goals, with Milo Mauer chipping in one for Peninsula along the way. By the final whistle, it was a 5-3 win for the Cougars. Peninsula will have 19 players return from last season’s championship squad, but the opener was really about letting the new faces get used to the pace. Several 2010-born players were sprinkled on both sides, and for some, it was their first taste of the speed and structure of VIJHL hockey. “I thought there was lots to be positive about,” said Panthers director of hockey operations Tyler Stanton. “Some of the young guys really stood out. Obviously, there’s still improvement needed, but it’s game one. We’ve only worked on structure for a couple of days and nobody’s played in set lines yet.” Like most teams in the league, Peninsula will see a shuffle over the next two weeks as prospects head off to major junior and BCHL camps. Stanton said it’s all part of the rhythm. “There’s a process to it,” he said. “At the same time, the expectation with 19 guys returning is that they’ll carry the load and teach the younger players our culture.” The 11-team league is in its second year outside Hockey Canada, now running closely with the BCHL. Last year alone, 36 VIJHL players got called up, and the league is eager to show just how many doors are opening for its talent. It was also a strong off-season for alumni. Former Peninsula Panther Spencer Carbery earned NHL coach of the year honours, ex-Port Alberni goalie Callum Tung signed with the New York Rangers, and former referee Graedy Hamilton worked the AHL Calder Cup Finals. Exhibition games run through Aug. 31 before the 48-game regular season kicks off Sept. 4, with Peninsula and Victoria set for a rematch at Archie Browning Arena. “As long as the players are getting better and getting opportunities, that’s what matters,” Stanton said.
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