Panthers improve goaltending depth with the addition of former Charlottetown Islander Jakob Robillard
The UPEI Men’s Hockey are excited to welcome former Charlottetown Islanders goaltender Jakob Robillard to the team for the 2023–24 season.
After signing with the Islanders in January, Robillard said he felt at home in front of Island hockey fans and appreciated the warm reception that came his way.
“I learned very quickly how warm and welcoming fans on the Island are,” said the 21-year-old from Wendover, Ontario. “PEI obviously has a passion for hockey, and I loved the energy the fans brought every night at the Eastlink Centre. I expect more of the same here at UPEI.”
Robillard’s time with the Islanders was short but memorable, as he took over for Francesco Lapenna who was traded to Gatineau, and guided the team to the playoffs. In 26 regular season games with the club, Robillard posted a 13-12 record with a 3.29 goals against average and a .908 save percentage.
Prior to that, Robillard suited up for 53 games over two years with the Sherbrooke Phoenix, sporting a 29-15 record with a 2.80 goals against average and an .892 save percentage. After leading the Phoenix to the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) semifinals—against Charlottetown—he was invited to the Ottawa Senators’ development camp, where he competed in a pre-season game against the Buffalo Sabres’ younger players and prospects.
Time and time again, Robillard has shown that he’s a quality netminder. In 2018, the Barrie Colts drafted Robillard with a 13th round pick in the OHL draft, although he never played for the team. Despite moving from team to team, his confidence never wavered, and he thrived in the opportunities he earned.
“For as long as I can remember, I’ve had to fight for my opportunities, and I am grateful for that,” said Robillard, who will be studying business at UPEI. “I believe I’ve built a lot of resiliency and character throughout my career which will only help me on this journey.”
For the Panthers, Robillard figures to play an important role right away, as he’ll form strong goaltending trio with veteran all-star Jonah Capriotti, who decided to return for his final year of eligibility, and another recruit who will be named at a later date.
“Jakob will be a big piece of our goaltending position next year and in the years to come,” said Panthers head coach Forbes MacPherson. “We will be a young team, and there will be some learning and growth, but we feel this position can be a stable force for us, and Jakob will have a significant role.”
When he was growing up, Robillard said, he looked up to and modelled his style after goalies like NHLer Carey Price, who provided a calming presence between the pipes and made everything look easy.
“My biggest attribute as a goaltender is my poise in the net. Being calm and collected through my movements and saves has always been how I’ve strived to play.”
MacPherson saw the same thing watching him from afar and jumped at the opportunity to recruit him when the time came.
“Jakob is a big goalie who covers a lot of net and competes hard. We had the opportunity to watch Jakob last year with the Islanders,” MacPherson said. “Everyone with the Islanders spoke very highly of Jakob, and after we had a chance to meet, there seemed to be a connection.”
