DANVILLE, Ky. – The Panthers opened the 2021 season on Wednesday evening with a trip to Centre. Hanover fell in the non-conference match-up 12-4.
 
The Blue and Red was led in the contest by senior Eric Hopkins (Evansville, Ind.), Jackson Wheeler, and junior Josh Perkins (San Diego, Calif.). Perkins netted a team-high two goals, while Hopkins and Wheeler both netted one goal apiece.
 
Centre surged ahead early in the opening period using 15 shots to claim the 4-0 advantage. They continued to build on that lead in the second stanza when Wheeler halted the surge with a goal for the Panthers at the 2:58 mark, 8-1.
 
The second half would see the Panthers tack on three more scores. Hopkins delivered the first blow at the 12:25 mark pulling HC within 12-2. Perkins provided another dagger moments later pulling HC within 12-3. The final blow off the evening came from Perkins off an assist by senior Ian Kimmins (Dayton, Ohio), 12-4.
 
The Panthers return to action on Saturday, March 13 when they welcome Concordia University (Wis.) to Alumni Stadium for their home-opener. Game time is set for 1:00 PM.