Host Panthers knocked out by Riverview Ravens in semifinal game

Halifax West Warriors forward Jack Hustins has the attention of several Riverview Ravens players, including defenceman Curtis Fogarty (#18), goalie Devon Gallant and forward Royce Balcom (#26), as he skated around the net during the championship game of the Glace Bay High-hosted Panther Classic on Sunday at the Miners Forum. The Warriors defeated the Ravens 3-0. - David Jala

GLACE BAY — The Halifax West Warriors captured the 2021 Panther Classic on Sunday when they defeated the Riverview Ravens of Coxheath 3-0 in the championship game at the Glace Bay Miners Forum.

The Ravens outshot the Warriors 32-24, but Halifax West goalie Mitchell Spearns, who was named his team’s man of the match, turned aside every shot to earn the shutout.

The Warriors goalscorers were Daniel Bar, Nick Tarnogorski and Owen Flemming, who sealed the victory with a last-minute empty net marker.

Halifax West advanced to the final match after defeating the Lockview Dragons of Fall River 5-2 in one of two Sunday morning semifinals.

Riverview advanced to the final after defeating the host Glace Bay Panthers 3-1. Keigan Geizer, Luc Sampson and Royce Balcom scored for the Ravens, while Mason Fraser had the lone Glace Bay goal.

Sydney Academy Wildcats, Memorial Marauders of Sydney Mines, Citadel Phoenix of Halifax and the Auburn Eagles of Dartmouth also participated in the eight-team tournament.

The 2021 Panther Classic was the first Cape Breton high school hockey tournament to feature a full slate of teams since prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last month, the Memorial High-hosted Mae Kibyuk Green and Gold Tournament featured the four local teams plus competition-winner Dartmouth Spartans.

Dec 9 Panther Classic Schedule

Due to the storm on Thursday, all games from Thursday Night will be resceduled to Friday morning. The online schedule has been updated!

GLACE BAY, N.S. — Adam Hicks’ timing couldn’t have been better.

After all, when the 2021 Panther Classic kicks off Thursday, the 17-year-old senior will be the first Panthers captain to lead his team into the annual high school hockey competition on Glace Bay ice since 2015. Previously known as the Bayplex, the upgraded and renovated Glace Bay Miners Forum reopened in the fall of 2020, but the tournament was cancelled that fall due to COVID-19.

Arlen Denny of the River Ravens, left, prepares to skate the puck out of the defensive zone as he's chased by Sam Gracie of the Memorial Marauders during Cape Breton High School Hockey League action at the Cape Breton County Recreation Centre on Friday. Riverview won the game 4-2. JEREMY FRASER/CAPE BRETON POST. - Jeremy Fraser

COXHEATH, N.S. - The Riverview Ravens downed the Memorial Marauders 4-2 in Cape Breton High School Hockey League action at the Cape Breton County Recreation Centre on Friday.

Noah MacKinnon and Royce Balcolm had a goal and an assist each, while Arlen Denny and Grant Cameron chipped in with single markers for the Ravens (6-2-1-0).

Davis MacInnis and Dylan Campbell replied with goals for the Marauders (1-7-2-0).

Riverview's Devon Gallant made 13 saves. Memorial's Jack MacPhee stopped 40 of 44 shots.

Riverview scored late in the third period to tie the game