Ready to work
Panthers looking to earn similar results after being rewarded last weekend for their effort
The formula for success is simple to say but not always easy to practice.
The UPEI Panthers men’s hockey team is preaching playing a complete game after winning two road games a week ago in Nova Scotia and playing the same teams at home this weekend.
“When we work for the fully 60 and we work together, and everybody does their part we can play with anybody in this league,” captain Brent Andrews said after Wednesday’s practice. “We definitely feel we’re right there with the top teams and it’s just going to be a reflection of our work ethic how well we do.”
The Panthers (3-3-0) started the season with losses to Moncton and UNB before winning three of the next four to get back to .500. It included defeating the Saint Mary’s Huskies (5-1-1) in Halifax a week ago and the Acadia Axemen (2-4-0) in Wolfville on Oct. 20.
“We made some big strides last weekend, but we can’t take a step back now, so it’s a big weekend for us,” Andrews said. “It’s going to be tough to get points no matter who you’re playing against (in this conference), but you have to take care of business at home.” The Huskies are in Charlottetown tonight while the Axemen visit Saturday with both games starting at 7 p.m. at MacLauchlan Arena.
Assistant captain Beau McCue said to earn similar results as last weekend they know what the blueprint is.
“They’re going to come in wanting some redemption and I think we have to buckle down and double our efforts,” he said.
The Panthers confidence has been heightened after playing well early in the season and not getting results to now being rewarded for the hard work.
“The biggest thing is not letting our ego get too big,” McCue said. “Feel confident in yourself and in the team and know we can do it just know you have to put in the effort and work to (earn the results).”
Head coach Forbes MacPherson said he was pleased with the performance and outcome from last weekend and hopes his team is catching stride.
“There’s no break in the schedule,” he said. “The puck drops Friday night and it’s right back to work and we’ll see what this weekend holds for us.”
The Panthers are a little banged up right now but could have everybody except defenceman Tanner McCabe (lower body) available for tonight’s game.
Simon Hofley, fresh off being named UPEI Subway male athlete of the week, gets the start in goal.
“He kind of has a little bit of a mojo going right now and that’s key for any athlete,” MacPherson said. “He works very hard in practice, he’s a very driven guy who brings a lot of energy and enthusiasm to a game.”