The Cadre

GIRLS RULE, GUYS DROOL: PLAYOFF SURPRISES AND DISAPPOINTMENTS

By Jenn Beaton & Connor Simpson

GUY’S HOCKEY

On Wednesday February 29th, the Men’s UPEI Panthers were defeated in overtime 3-2 by the UNB Reds in Game 3 of the Subway AUS Semi Final. This was the last game of an otherwise promising season for the Men’s hockey Panthers.

Here’s what happened: The Panthers’ struggles started in the first period of the semifinal match. The Panthers gave one up early and gave the UNB Reds a 1-0 lead. During the second period our Panthers came to life, with shots clocking in 19-10 in their favour. The Panthers had opportunities, but could not seem to catch a break.

When the third period came around, the Panthers’ consistent energy and effort from the second period started to pay off with a power play goal from at 8:12 Matt Carter, and assisted by Alex Wall and Harrison McIver. 1-1, tie ball game. The Panthers continued to make great plays, and managed to take the lead over the Reds at 17:12 in the third. Quickly after UPEI took the lead, UNB’s Nick MacNeil scored, which tied the game once again. The teams headed into overtime, and UNB’s Jordan Clendenning scored at 5:02, winning the game for the Reds and finishing the Panthers’ 2011-12 season. During the game, goalies Travis Fullerton for UNB and Mavric Parks for the Panthers were both exceptional, stopping 29 and 41 shots respectively.

There were three players who made the list of AUS Awards. 3rd year Jared Gomes was named a 1st team AUS All Star, Matt Carter was named a 2nd team All Star, and Chris Desousa was named to the AUS All Rookie Team.

The UPEI Panthers men’s hockey team says they would like to thank all their fans this season, and that the playoff games were so exciting with so many fans in attendance.

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Hockey Panthers overcome minor setback to clinch playoff berth

Entering the final week of the AUS regular season, the UPEI Mens Hockey Panthers are in good standing to secure a third-straight berth in the AUS playoffs. With only three games remaining in the schedule, the Panthers sit a comfortable five points ahead of Université de Moncton and Dalhousie to secure fifth place in the standings. 

An excellent start to the season placed a heavy weight of expectations on the shoulders of the Panthers. Entering the Christmas holidays, the team posted an impressive 10-3-2 (W-L-OTL) record, putting them in the hunt for first place in the conference. However, since returning to the ice for the final stretch of the season, the Panthers have struggled to consistently reach the level of play that resulted in their early season success.

“We have been struggling to find our game and compete consistently every night,” explained third-year forward Jordan Knox. “As we approach the playoffs, we need to focus on doing the little things that attributed to our success in the first part of the season.”

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