Summerside’s MacKinnon to fill key role with UPEI Men’s Hockey team
When UPEI Men's hockey coach Forbie MacPherson offered Ryan MacKinnon the chance to don the famed green and white Panthers jersey , the Summerside native felt an overwhelming sense of pride.
'Obviously, growing up in PEI and watching the Panthers makes you wish to someday put on that jersey,' said MacKinnon, who starred in his final major junior season last year with the Charlottetown Islanders of the QMJHL. 'It is an amazing opportunity and I feel very privileged for the chance to play at UPEI.'
MacKinnon had the best offensive season of his career in 2014-15, scoring 10 goals and adding 40 assists in 64 games. He also added five assists in the playoffs. MacKinnon knows he will be counted on to fill some of the void left with the graduation of Panther standout defencemen Reggie Traccitto to the American Hockey League.
'I am really looking forward to that challenge. Reggie had a great career and deserves a spot at the pro level. I learned a few things simply by watching him,' said MacKinnon. 'The past season with the Islanders gave me the confidence to add that offensive side to my game and I'm looking forward to doing what I can to help the Panthers win it all.'
Coach MacPherson said while he is excited about MacKinnon's offensive capabilities, there are many other important intangible factors to his game.
'Ryan is a born leader. He has captained two teams in the Quebec League. He was captain of his bantam and midget teams. He brings a lot of the table,' said MacPherson. 'He competes hard during every shift, in both ends of the rink, and I think his game is perfectly suited for the tough AUS conference.'
Joining the Panthers will give MacKinnon the opportunity to reunite with a number of his close friends including fellow defenceman Casey Babineau, who he played with in Rimouski. He also played minor hockey with and against Darcy Ashley, Brent Andrews, and Craig MacLauchlan.
'Playing with these guys just makes it special,' said MacKinnon, who will enroll in Business Administration program this fall. 'They are obviously great players and even greater people off the ice.'
During the recruitment process MacPherson said MacKinnon demonstrated strong character and a burning desire to win. He also has a great respect for the UPEI Panthers tradition.
'Ryan is the kind of player we covet. He is prepared to put the work in to win and he knows how special it will be for an Island kid to bring a championship home to UPEI,' added MacPherson. 'A university hockey career only lasts four or five years, but when you play here, you are a Panther forever. Ryan really gets that.'
Athletics and Recreation Director Chris Huggan was pleased to hear that MacKinnon has chosen UPEI.
'I watched Ryan MacKinnon be the leader of the Charlottetown Islanders on the ice and I was even more impressed with how he conducted himself off the ice,' said Huggan. 'I am pleased to know he will be joining our proud UPEI family.'
About UPEI Athletics and Recreation
• Nine varsity sports and six club team programs
• Proud member of the AUS and CIS
• Athletic facilities include: Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre, UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place
• Other facilities available to students and the community at large include: fitness centre, squash and racquetball courts, competition and leisure pool with hot tub, and two ice arenas
