SECOND HALF PREVIEW: Young Panthers squad poised to make playoffs

Jan. 5, 2023

(UPEI Athletics & Recreation)

Playoffs? That word certainly wasn't in the dictionary of pre-season expectations for this season's UPEI Panthers men's hockey team.

The doubters have been silenced – well, so far. 

After 18 Atlantic University Sport regular season games, the Panthers have seven wins in 18 games, with three in their last five and three at home. They are currently fifth in the standings, five points behind Saint Mary's and four points ahead of Acadia. 

Head coach Forbes MacPherson never could've imagined his team being in the place they are right now. He enjoys it and hopes the momentum continues into the second half. 

He also wishes for improved player health as several key players were riddled with injuries in the first half, including goal-scoring forward Daylon Groulx and new defensemen David D'Agostino and Cameron Morton. 

"I'd like to see everybody get healthy. Not take a step back, not get complacent, stay hungry, keep coming to the rink happy. The holiday break was a good mental break for players to be with families and friends. They got to come back hungrier than ever," MacPherson said. 

A reminder, the team has 18 new players (15 of whom are rookies) and only six returnees from last season's University Cup run. Talk about an achieving underdog. 

Third year forward Kaleb Pearson has stepped up as an elite goal scorer and integral leader. He is currently tied for third in the AUS in goals scored with 13. The assistant captain calls his first-half performances a good step up, credited to momentum from the U Cup and help from teammates, and he looks forward to the second half of the season.

"The team has been really helpful, especially in the room. The leadership group is pretty tight knit. 

"We've been collectively following our game plan. We're always hard on the puck and getting it. Got to keep being competitive and shoot the puck because if you don't shoot, you don't score," Pearson said.

Third year defenseman Kurtis Henry has been taking advantage of his new role as team captain with pride and tenacity. His size, strength, and special team roles have been taken to a whole new level, as after 18 games, he has 13 assists and 17 points. 

"It's an honor to represent the school, the boys, the coaching staff, everyone involved. I've tried to set a good example for everyone and show how hard I work and what I do every day. When I need to speak up, I can do that, and just being there to talk if anyone needs advice," Henry said.

Rookie forward Keiran Gallant is one of the 15 rookies. The P.E.I. native and former Charlottetown Islander has made an immediate impact with his quick speed, persistence, and work ethic. After 18 games, he has 10 points. Gallant appreciates being able to continue playing in front of his family and familiar fans. 

"You get support all over on P.E.I. The fans here are very vocal.  

"It's been a pretty smooth transition so far (from major junior hockey). It helps with the group we've got as we've got a bunch of great guys. Hopefully, in the second half, we can keep going and get better," Gallant said.

Along with Pearson, Henry, and Gallant, other players have offered their fair share of vital qualities.  

Rookie forwards Elias Cohen and Noah Sedore each have 12 points and are proven forces to be reckoned with due to their rapid energy and skilled shots; Sedore was the most recent Male Athlete of the Week. Ben McFarlane, Patrick Leblanc, Josh Currie, and Cole Larkin are only a few of many names who have offered substantial depth and can excel in any required role. Rookie goalie Joe Ranger has two shutouts in his last three starts and has been mentored well by veteran goalie Jonah Capriotti. 

There's no doubt fans will be excited to continue watching this energetic team, and the next opportunities to do so are this upcoming weekend at the MacLauchlan Arena. 

The second half of the season begins on Friday, Jan. 5 as the 10-9-0 Saint Mary's Huskies come to town carrying a four-game winning streak. UPEI has yet to beat them, losing 3-2 in overtime in the last match. On Saturday, the 5-11-3 Acadia University Axemen visit the island hoping to end their three-game losing streak. UPEI beat Acadia in the final game of the first half. 

Both games are at 7 p.m. Buy single game tickets at panthertickets.ca. Check out the recent Inside Panthers Hockey and Panther Primer episodes on Instagram and Facebook, featuring players Kaleb Pearson, Keiran Gallant, and Kurtis Henry, and head coach Forbes MacPherson.