UPEI Panthers hockey rookie looking to make a name for himself

Nov. 27, 2023

UPEI Panthers men's hockey forward Noah Sedore skates toward the Dalhousie Tigers' defensive zone in a game at the MacLauchlan Arena on Friday, Oct. 20. UPEI won 10-2 and Sedore earned an assist and a +2 plus/minus rating. (Janessa Vanden Broek, UPEI Athletics & Recreation)

When Noah Sedore steps on to the ice, he is a force to be reckoned with. 

The UPEI Panthers men’s hockey rookie has taken advantage of packed home crowds to raise his high energy and quick speed levels. 

Not only that, but he is also always thinking about his teammates, especially his fellow 17 rookies. 

“We’ve had some ups and downs. But once we ramp up and really get into the season, I’m excited to see how this group of such a young team is able to learn and grow together. 

“It’s inspiring to see how much we’ve learned already and I think we’ve shown some good and some bad. But we’ve proven what we can do if we’re all on the same page,” Sedore said. 

UPEI head coach Forbes MacPherson remembered how hard he and other coaches pursued Sedore knowing what he could bring to the hockey program. 

“Noah was someone we identified very early that we would’ve loved to have in our program. 

“We see a lot of great things in Noah. He skates well, has high compete, and many physical skills that we feel will translate into this league,” MacPherson said.

Sedore comes from central Ontario, where he grew up playing minor hockey. 

In 2018, he was selected by the Erie Otters in the Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection draft and he played four games at 16. 

“The first year was all about getting my feet wet and getting used to the league. A lot different from minor hockey,” Sedore said. 

Sedore played in Erie, Pennsylvania for over four years and ended his junior career there as an overage player and an assistant captain. 

The team never made the playoffs during any of his years. 

But Sedore still made an impact with his high energy, character, and leadership qualities. 

“I really enjoyed my time (in Erie). I learned so much, and as much as we may have not had, per say, the best team success, it was still a good developmental stage for my career. 

“Erie will always have a place in my heart,” Sedore said. 

With his junior hockey eligibility gone, Sedore wanted to play university hockey. 

Many of his former teammates recommended the University of Prince Edward Island. 

 “I heard a lot of great things about UPEI over the years from a lot of different guys, especially former teammates,” Sedore said. 

Sedore’s commitment was confirmed in June 2023 and he visited P.E.I. for the first time during the summer. 

“I was able to come early and get a lot of golf in, playing with different guys, which was fun. I trained in the gym as much as I could. 

“It was a change of pace from Ontario, but (P.E.I.) became a place I enjoy, and I’ve adapted well,” Sedore said. 

Coach MacPherson likes to keep expectations low for first-year players who come from away. 

“It’s a massive adjustment (from junior to university). There’s a huge transition there. Yes, players have lived away from home before, but not really on their own. And then you throw full-time school into your life,” MacPherson said. 

Sedore played his first career Atlantic University Sport regular season game on Oct. 4, helping the Panthers to a 4-2 win against Moncton. 

A few days later, the team lost their home opener to the University of New Brunswick Reds 1-0. 

Despite the loss, the UPEI arts student really enjoyed his first home game experience. 

“I loved the crowd’s energy and enthusiasm. Having the home crowd advantage was nice regardless of the team result,” Sedore said. 

After 16 games, the Panthers have six wins and 10 losses, and Sedore has four goals and nine points. 

It’s been a roller coaster of a season with many growing pains thus far, but Sedore is confident that, as the team grows, he’ll be able to make a name for himself and lead UPEI to future success. 

“It’s tough in this league because one thing I’ve quickly learned is, you can’t take nights off. I have to be ready to go every single night. 

“It’s exciting to see what this team can do because we have such a long time to prove ourselves,” Sedore said. 

Coach MacPherson said he expects Sedore’s energy to grow and make him one of the better players for the team down the line, potentially a future captain.

UPDATE (Dec. 5): UPEI ended the first half with seven wins and 11 losses in 18 games. Sedore concluded the first half with five goals and 12 points. He was named UPEI Panther Male Athlete of the Week on Tuesday, Dec. 5 after earning one goal and two assists in a 4-0 win against Acadia on Saturday, Dec. 2.