The Port Moody Panthers will look to begin its climb out of the Pacific Junior Hockey League basement when the Richmond Sockeyes come to town on Saturday.
The Cats have struggled early this season, amassing a 2-8-0-1 record in their first 11 games, falling to last place in the Harold Brittain Conference.
Last Saturday, the team's struggles continued as they dropped a disappointing 5-4 overtime loss to the North Delta Devils at the Port Moody Arena.
After a scoreless first period, the Devils went ahead 1-0 early in the middle frame, however the Cats responded with goals from Nicholas Franco and Connor Bowen.
However, Port Moody did not hold the lead for long.
Devils forward Landen Matechuk scored early in the third before teammate Tristan Craighead scored a go-ahead goal on the power play one minute later.
But the Cats weren't finished scoring yet.
Panther forward Brennan Bifano buried a feed from Daniel Obeena and Kurt Sonne scored the tying goal with 1:40 left on the clock.
Port Moody held its own early in the extra period but could not find a way to sneak a puck past North Delta net minder Nicholas Clark.
Devils forwardMatechuk, who earned first-star honours for his three-point performance, netted the game winner.
Port Moody's Connor Bowen earned third star honours for his opening goal and solid play throughout the game, while Cats goalie Alexander Orth stopped 35 of the 40 shots he faced.
The loss came a day after a disappointing defeat against the Ridge Meadows Flames on Friday night.
Daniel Delbianco scored the visitors' lone goal on the power play midway through the third period, but it did not spark a comeback, after the team gave up two goals in the second.
Flames forward Danny Wilson padded the lead with a power-play goal six minutes after Delbianco's effort before MacLean Hewitt made it 4-1 for Ridge Meadows with two minutes left in the game.
Port Moody's Adam Rota did not show up on the score sheet, however he was given the third star for his play, which included 16 minutes of penalties.
The Panthers will face off against Richmond at 7:45 p.m. at the Port Moody Arena. A rare Monday night game will also take place at the Arena on Oct. 21, at 7:30 p.m. against North Vancouver.
For more information and a complete season schedule go to www.portmoodypanthers.com.
