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Panthers add high-scoring defenceman; OHL’s Armstrong to suit up for UPEI

| Athletics

UPEI Men's Hockey Head Coach Forbes MacPherson is pleased to announce the addition of the Peterborough Petes' Nelson Armstrong, one of the top-scoring defencemen from the Ontario Hockey League, to the Panthers.

Born in Peterborough, Armstrong put together his best season in 2013-14 with 9 goals and 36 assists for 45 points. Armstrong added four assists in the playoffs for the Petes. Along with his strong offensive game, Armstrong is known for being very strong in his own end and prides himself on being a well-rounded player every night.

'I just try to compete every shift and do whatever I can to help the team win,' said Armstrong who is 6'1, 205 lbs. 'I take great pride in the offensive part of my game for sure but you have to be responsible in your own end first. I just want to be a solid, all-around player.'

MacPherson, entering his sixth season behind the bench, says he was working all spring to recruit Armstrong, a player he says was born to wear the Panthers' green and white.

'Nelson brings so much to the table with his offense and with his desire to compete every night,' said MacPherson. 'It became apparent to me early on that he was just meant to be a Panther because of the way he goes about his business, and how he carries himself on and off the ice. Nelson Armstrong is going to be a great addition to our program.'

Armstrong played two major junior seasons with his hometown Petes, after starting his career with St. Lawrence University in the NCAA. He says he has remained committed to pursuing his education and determined the University of Prince Edward Island was a perfect fit for the next step in his journey. He also played a season in Peterborough with UPEI forward Nick Czinder.

'The team is very good. The league is the top league in the country and I feel I will continue to develop as a hockey player while I work on my education,' said Armstrong, who made his first visit to the campus in June. 'I was looking to move away from home and just felt the east coast was a perfect spot. I am looking forward to getting started in September.'

The Panthers look to continue their improved play in the competitive AUS conference this season. The team was ranked consistently in the top 10 of the CIS last year, reaching as high as #4. The addition of Armstrong, goalie Connor Wilkinson, as well as Islanders Darcy Ashley and Brent Andrews has MacPherson looking forward to the start of the season.

'Nelson is a great addition to the men's hockey program, and I'm pleased to welcome him to the University of Prince Edward Island,' said UPEI Athletics and Recreation Director Bill Schurman. 'We are looking forward to the contributions he will make as a student-athlete to our university and our province.'

Armstrong will be enrolling in the Bachelor of Business Administration program at UPEI.

For more information or to purchase season tickets visit Panther Central (Sports Centre), phone 566-0368, e-mail panthercentral@upei.ca or visit www.gopanthersgo.ca.

About UPEI Athletics and Recreation

  • Nine varsity sports and six club team programs
  • Proud member of the AUS and CIS
  • Athletic facilities include: Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre, UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place
  • Home of Panther Sports Medicine
  • Other facilities available to students and the community at large include: fitness centre, squash and racquetball courts, competition and leisure pool with hot tub, and two ice arenas

Contact

Ron Annear
Athletics and Recreation

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