Addition of right wing McNaughton will bolster Panther lineup
UPEI men's hockey head coach Forbes MacPherson is pleased to announce the addition of right winger Cody McNaughton, who scored 81 career goals with the Ontario Hockey League's Guelph Storm.
McNaughton, a 5'10,' 180-lb native of Pembroke, Ontario, is the Storm's career leader in games played. His high-energy and feisty style made him a fan favourite in Guelph where he was voted as the fan club's most popular player for 2012-13. He says UPEI hockey fans can count on him to bring that same style and attitude to the Island.
'I pride myself on being the ultimate team guy. I try to give my very best every shift and do whatever it takes to make the team successful,' said McNaughton. 'From everything I have learned about the team and the fans, that is the way the Panthers are built, and I expect to fit right in this fall.'
Coach MacPherson believes McNaughton is a solid two-way player who isn't afraid to mix it up. 'Cody doesn't mind getting his nose dirty, he is very responsible defensively and, as his numbers suggest, he can score big goals,' said MacPherson. 'The fans in Guelph loved him because he's an energetic player who comes to play. I expect that will endear him to the Panther faithful at MacLauchlan Arena.'
McNaughton said the decision to join UPEI came down to two main factors, conversations with the coaching staff and a commitment to winning.
'The Panthers have a proud tradition of success. Forbie and the staff have this team moving in the right direction and I just want to do everything I can to help this team win a championship,' added McNaughton. 'At this point in my career, I want to focus on getting a quality education and improving as a hockey player.'
McNaughton will see a couple of familiar faces in the Panthers' dressing room as he reunites with former Guelph teammate Matthew Maione and fellow incoming freshman Brock Beukeboom.
'The addition of Cody will make our men's hockey team even tougher to play against,' said UPEI Director of Athletics and Recreation Bill Schurman. 'Character, talent, and commitment to winning are special traits and Cody's got them all.'
The Panthers finished the 2012-13 season ranked ninth in CIS standings.
Friends of Men's Hockey will host the annual banquet July 4 at UPEI's Wanda Wyatt Dining Hall. Guest speaker will be Dr. Bill Montelpare, a leading researcher in reducing the risk of concussions and increasing the accuracy of determining when an athlete who has suffered a concussion is ready to return to play. Tickets are on sale now.
