Two former Panthers join hockey coaching staff

Two new assistant coaches for UPEI men's hockey know all too well what it means to be a Panther. Former players Josh Patterson and Devan Praught will join head coach Forbes MacPherson and assistant coach Kenny MacDougall for the 2012-13 season.

MacPherson believes both additions will connect immediately with the team, injecting their youth and enthusiasm. 'Both Josh and Devan are in the early stages of their coaching careers but offer some valuable assets contributing to our coaching staff and program,' he said. 'Josh was a former captain and has tremendous passion for UPEI, while Devan has been very active in coaching youth on the Island.'

Patterson played four seasons for the Panthers notching 31 goals and 41 assists during his UPEI career. After graduating, he then went on to play one season with the Central Hockey League's Oklahoma City Blazers in 2008-09.

'I have watched the program and team grow over the past few years under Coach Macpherson's direction,' said Patterson. 'It is an exciting opportunity for me to be a part of a coaching staff at this level of hockey and I can't wait to get started.'

Praught finished off his Canadian Interuniversity Sport hockey eligibility at UPEI this past year with eight goals and 14 assists. He is currently heading into his final year of the education program and played hockey previously for four seasons with the St. Thomas Tommies.

'I'm really excited about staying on board with the Panthers,' said Praught. 'I look forward to working with the coaching staff as we strive to build on the successes that the UPEI hockey program has experienced over the past few years.'

The UPEI men's hockey team begins their regular season on Friday, October 12, when they host rival Université de Moncton at 7:00 pm. Seasons seats are now on sale by visiting gopanthersgo.ca.

Devan Praught finished off his CIS eligibility at UPEI and will become a new assistant coach for the 2012–13 season.