SEASON PREVIEW: Men’s Hockey Panthers embracing new chapter in 2023–24
Fans of the UPEI Men’s Hockey Panthers may want to keep a program close by because there are plenty of new names donning the green and white this season.
Head coach Forbes MacPherson had a busy offseason, recruiting 18 players to join his squad. Six players remain from the team that upset the top-seeded Calgary Dinos at the 2023 U SPORTS Men’s Hockey Championship including goaltender Jonah Capriotti; defencemen Kurtis Henry, Leon Denny, and Logan Kelly-Murphy; and forwards Kaleb Pearson and Daylon Groulx.
“The last couple of years, we were building toward nationals and hosting the event, and we’re proud of that group, but now we’re starting a new chapter,” MacPherson said. “We have a whole new set of players here, and there’s renewed excitement.”
Capriotti, who emerged as one of the best netminders in the conference last season, said the group is feeling optimistic ahead of their home opener against the University of New Brunswick Reds this Saturday, October 7 at 7 pm at MacLauchlan Arena on the UPEI campus. During the game, a banner will be raised in honour of the late William “Billy” MacMillan, Saint Dunstan’s University alumnus, former UPEI Men’s Hockey coach, and UPEI Sports Hall of Fame inductee.
“It’s a refreshing feeling having so many young guys who want to compete every day and love coming to the rink. The team is ready to show people that we can compete,” Capriotti said. “No one is worried about how long we’ve known each other; we just want to win games.”
Capriotti is expected to get the opening day nod after coming off an all-star season in which he posted a 13-8 record with a 2.50 goals against average and a .915 save percentage. He’ll be backed up by newcomers Jakob Robillard and Joe Ranger who have been battling in training camp for that No. 2 spot.
The blue line will feature the most experienced players on the roster and could be the team’s strength heading into the season. Henry, a physical third-year defenceman, will assume a leadership role as the team’s captain this season, while Denny and Kelly-Murphy have a year under their belts and could see more ice time. David D'Agostino gives the Panthers another veteran presence on the back end as the 25-year-old spent the past four years with the York Lions where he recorded six goals and 16 assists in 66 games. MacPherson said he’s excited about rookie blueliners Cole Larkin and Cam Morton, who are two key pieces to build around.
Pearson comes into the 2023–24 season as the most proven goal-scorer on the team and will be leaned on to put points on the board. The third-year forward opened eyes at nationals where he played his best hockey as a Panther. He finished the tournament with two goals and an assist in three games, and the hope is that he carries that success over to the new season.
“I’m looking forward to the year and to being one of the guys Forbie relies on for leadership to help drive this team forward,” said Pearson, who’ll don an “A” on his jersey this season. “I’m going to do everything I can to help us win.”
But he can’t do it alone. Groulx is entering a third year that could see him in a more prominent role, while MacPherson still searches for the right line combinations to bring out the best of his 12 rookie forwards, including home-grown talent Keiran Gallant.
“From an offensive standpoint, the guys on the team have the skills and abilities that I think will help us win games,” Pearson said. “Offence is something that a lot of guys and I take pride in, and I think our competitiveness will help drive us this year.”
Great things rarely come easy and often involves a lot of work, patience, and discipline. The Panthers know they have their work cut out for them if great things are to happen with this group in the coming years, and they’re embracing the challenge.
“I’ve seen a young team with a lot of energy and excitement eager to prove themselves,” MacPherson said. “There’s a lot of opportunity for everybody to carve out a role here and leave an impact on the game.”
Tickets or a season pass can be purchased through panthertickets.ca. Don’t forget to get your UPEI Panthers Gold Rush tickets—the pot is currently over $21,000! The Gold Rush can be played through a new app—UPEI Panther Recreation—found on Apple and Android, or via upei.goldrush.causable.io.
To view the full season schedule for Panther Sport, visit gopanthersgo.ca
