Seeking a strong finish
Panthers play final games of 2019 portion of regular season Saturday on home ice
Saturday is a parade day doubleheader for UPEI’s hockey teams.
It begins at 4 p.m. as the Panthers host the St. FX X-Women at MacLauchlan Arena in Atlantic University Sport women’s action and ends with a 7 p.m. contest between the Panthers and the Dalhousie Tigers on the men’s side.
It is the Panthers final games of 2019. UPEI athletics and recreation is inviting all fans attending the women’s game to stick around for the men’s game for free. Season ticket holders for UPEI men’s hockey are also invited to attend the women’s game for free.
The women’s Panthers (132-1) are in second place in the conference, one point back of Saint Mary’s and six up on the third-place X-Women (10-5-1) before today’s action.
“It’s a very hard swing this weekend, playing Dalhousie on
Friday night, getting home late, and taking on the high-flying St. FX team,” said Panthers head coach Bruce Donaldson. “Dal is coming off a very impressive win over Université de Moncton, and St. FX has one of the top goal scorers in the conference.
“As a team, we need to be better than last weekend. It was great getting the four points, but as a team, we need to execute better in certain situations.”
Panthers officials suggest people pop out in between the two games and watch the Charlottetown Christmas Parade before heading back inside to see the men’s hockey game.
The Panthers, who are sixth in the seven-team men’s conference with a 5-7-3 record, head to Antigonish, N.S., Friday to play the St. FX X-Men. Lastplace Dalhousie was 3-11-2 before hosting St. FX on Wednesday.
“It is important for us to continue to improve and finish the first half with a good effort,” said UPEI head coach Forbes MacPherson. “Saturday’s game will set the stage for the second half of the year. We will be expecting our group to be dialled in and ready for a great performance.”
Fan are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item for the Campus Food Bank and receive a free hot chocolate.