2023 Cavendish Farms University Cup Men’s Hockey Championship a huge success
The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) Men’s Hockey Panthers hosted seven of the best amateur hockey teams in the country during the U SPORTS 2023 Cavendish Farms University Cup Men’s Hockey Championship from March 15–19, 2023, at the Eastlink Centre, Charlottetown. The event was deemed a huge success by organizers.
The University of New Brunswick (UNB) Reds captured their ninth national title for the program and became the 2023 University Cup champions, after beating the University of Alberta Golden Bears 3-0 in the championship game. The Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR) Patriotes captured the bronze medal after a hard-fought 3-2 win over the UPEI Panthers.
“On behalf of the UPEI Men’s Hockey program, the Department of Athletics and Recreation, and the entire UPEI community, we extend our sincere thank you to all those who contributed to our efforts in hosting the 2023 Cavendish Farms University Cup Men’s Hockey Championship to make it such a huge success. We look forward to welcoming everyone back next season to cheer on our Panther Sport student-athletes,” said Jane Vessey, director of UPEI Athletics and Recreation, and event convenor.
The U SPORTS All-Canadian Awards Ceremony, which recognizes excellence throughout the season, was held at the Delta Hotels by Marriott Prince Edward on March 15 in conjunction with the championship.
UPEI fourth-year student and team captain Troy Lajeunesse, a forward from Sturgeon Falls, Ontario, received the R.W. Pugh Trophy for most sportsmanlike player in Canada. Lajeunesse received only six minor penalties in 28 regular-season games during the 2022–23 campaign.
In addition to the eight U-Cup hockey games on the championship schedule, the four-day event also featured special events throughout the weekend at the “UPEI Panther Lounge” in the Eastlink Trade Centre. These included a “Hot Stove” with sportscaster and NHL-Hockey Night in Canada host Ron MacLean; Panther Lounge socials with musical entertainment; St. Paddy’s Day Tailgate; and a Family Fun Park.
“We are extremely grateful for the support from our partners, sponsors, season tickets holders, and the minor hockey community,” said championship chair Bruce Donaldson. “We especially thank our amazing volunteers who helped us stage a great week of men’s hockey and the 22,000 fans who were in attendance cheering on all the teams!”
For more information about the championship, visit https://usports.ca/en/championships/hockey/m
