Panthers recruit Cedrick Andree hoping to form dynamic goaltending tandem
UPEI Men's Hockey head coach Forbes MacPherson believes that goaltending is the most important position in hockey, often highlighting the play of his netminder in post-game interviews following wins. And it’s why he decided to add another talented goaltender to his roster for the playoff push.
Newcomer Cedrick Andree joins the Panthers after playing professionally with the American Hockey League’s Belleville Senators in 2020–21, followed by a stint with the East Coast Hockey League’s South Carolina Stingrays this season.
Prior to that, Andree made a name for himself with the Ontario Hockey League’s Ottawa 67’s where he posted gaudy numbers. In 101 games over three seasons, the 21-year-old goalie posted a 67-21-8 record with a 2.71-goals-against average and a .906 save percentage.
In his final year with the club, the Ottawa native was named a third team all-star and was selected to play for Team OHL in the Canada Russia Series.
“I think my greatest strengths are reading the play and my speed in net,” Andree said about his skillset. “I just want to do my best in the net and give us a chance to win a game night in, night out.”
Heading into the final weeks of the season, Andree adds quality depth behind goaltender Jonah Capriotti, who hasn’t looked back since earning the No. 1 spot due to his stellar play in the first half of the season. Andree will battle fellow rookie Lucas Fitzpatrick for the backup role, and if he succeeds, the Panthers could wield a fearsome goaltending tandem that could pay off come playoff time.
“Having a strong goalie tandem is definitely a big advantage because it gives the team two guys they can rely on in any game,” added Andree.
"Cedrick is a player that we had been pursuing for a while. He had great numbers in the OHL, played on a great team, and spent the season in the AHL last year. He is a very athletic, quick, and competitive goalie. He certainly adds depth to that position for us, and we look forward to getting him into some action," said MacPherson.
MacPherson believes this group has the potential to make a run at an AUS title, and Andree was convinced after several interactions with his new coach.
“Originally, I wasn’t planning on coming to school, but Forbes was very persuasive,” he said. “To win a championship here is my ultimate goal, and to be able to raise a trophy at the end of the season would make it all worth it.”
Still, Andree must earn the trust of his teammates and coaching staff before the prospect of a dynamic tandem becomes a reality. And it won’t come easy as this is the first time in his career that he’s joining a new team mid-season.
“The hardest part is learning names and building that chemistry,” he said. “Honestly, I’m just excited for what this season holds and being part of this tight-knit group.”
