Charlottetown standouts Landon Perry and Noah Killorn join UPEI Men’s Soccer

The UPEI Men’s Soccer Panthers have secured commitments from Island soccer players and former adversaries Landon Perry and Noah Killorn for the 2023–24 season.

At the high school level, Perry and Killorn had some intense battles. Together, they have combined to take home the past three Prince Edward Island School Athletic Association (PEISAA) soccer championships. Perry, a recent Charlottetown Rural graduate, took the first title, while Killorn won the past two as a player for Colonel Gray.

“I won in my Grade 10 year, but he won the next two years,” Perry said. “In two close games,” he added.

With their past rivalry aside, the two are close friends and look forward to joining forces as they don the green and white this fall. They’re hoping that the dramatic wins (and the devastating losses) they’ve experienced can help them in their next chapter with the Panthers.

“From a personal standpoint, I’m looking to improve as a player and teammate and try to make an immediate impact,” said Killorn, who will be studying kinesiology at UPEI. “In regard to the team, I hope for an eventful season that will lead to an Atlantic University Sport (AUS) championship.”

Perry echoed his friend’s sentiments, which should be music to head coach Lewis Page’s ears, as he looks to guide the team back to the playoffs. Page has always built his teams from the defence up, and Perry and Killorn figure to be key pieces on the back line for years to come.

“They’re both defenders who are quick and smart in possession of the ball,” Page said. “They will compete immediately for playing time and continue a strong tradition of local players impacting the program.”

Killorn captained the Colonels this past season, earning a leadership role with the provincial team. During the 2022 Canada Games, the 18-year-old proved his worth as he played every minute of every game.

“As a player, I believe my defensive skills, ball playing ability, and leadership from the back end of the pitch will benefit the Panthers this season and beyond.”

Meanwhile, Perry has also had some impressive stops in his soccer career. In 2018, the 17-year-old was invited to the Vancouver Whitecaps youth combine, getting a taste of Major League Soccer. Perry also suited up alongside Killorn on the Canada Games team as an underage player and has been a big part of the provincial team over the years.

“I think my best skills are my passing ability and soccer IQ,” said Perry, who will be studying business. “I think I can use these skills to help boost the team’s attacking output.”

Both student-athletes mentioned how representing their province on the national stage was a highlight in their young soccer careers, so having the opportunity to compete at an elite level in the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) conference and for U SPORTS banners is something they don’t take for granted.

“It means a lot to represent my roots and make a meaningful impact in the place I call home,” Killorn said.

As for Perry, he says it’s an honour to represent UPEI.

“To be able to play at home, on the field where I grew up, is something very few people can say,” he said. “To play under those lights, with my family and friends watching, was a big part of why I chose to stay here.”