Busy weekend at UPEI
There will be no shortage of sports excitement on the UPEI campus for “Homecoming Weekend” that will mark the university’s 50th anniversary.
The action kicks off today as the UPEI men’s hockey team hosts the Dalhousie Tigers in its Atlantic University Sport (AUS) regular-season opener at 7 p.m.
Also tonight across the hall at MacLauchlan Arena B, the UPEI women’s hockey team will take on the Saint Mary’s Huskies in an exhibition game at 7:30 p.m.
“The team is looking forward to a busy three-game weekend,” said Panthers head coach Bruce Donaldson.
“Any time you play three games in this conference, it makes for a great test. We have made some changes in our lineup, and we’re excited to see how these changes work.”
SATURDAY
Saturday, the UPEI women’s rugby team opens a busy Saturday with a game against Saint Mary’s on the UPEI Alumni Canada Games Field at 2 p.m.
“SMU is in the same boat as us, having to start the season against two of the top teams in Canada,” said UPEI coach John LaBoyne.
“We are both 0-3 and hungry for a win.
“Last year, we had to come from behind late to earn a very hard-fought win against the Huskies. I think both teams are looking to have a good run-out on Saturday.”
LaBoyne points out Saturday’s game is Alumni Game Day. He’s anticipating many past players will be on hand to celebrate Panthers’ rugby.
At 3 p.m., the UPEI women’s hockey team is back on the ice for an exhibition game against St. Francis Xavier. Donaldson said the game will be especially challenging after playing Saint Mary’s the previous night.
“Between these two programs, they have won more AUS championships than any other programs combined in our conference,” said Donaldson.
SUNDAY
Sunday belongs to UPEI soccer as both the men’s and women’s teams host Dalhousie on the UPEI Turf Field.
The women’s game begins at 1 p.m.
“Dal will be tough and we’ll have to be equally tough, physically and mentally,” said Glen Miller, coach of the UPEI women’s team. “Ultimately, the body only does what the mind tells it to do.”
The men’s game begins at 3:15 p.m.
“We have had some great games versus Dalhousie over the years, and the rivalry is alive and well this season,” said coach Lewis Page.
“We will look to continue our fast-paced brand of soccer.”