Panthers at Home: action on the ice and court!

It’s a busy weekend at home on the ice and the court, with loads of opportunities to cheer on your Panthers!

Friday night at 7, the UPEI Women’s Hockey team takes on Mount Allison University at MacLauchlan Arena. It’s a special evening for PEI female minor hockey teams and for the UPEI Campus Food Bank. Entrance is free for all players, coaches, managers, one parent, and for anyone who donates a non-perishable food item. Gate proceeds for the evening will go to the UPEI Food Bank.

The Women’s Hockey team also takes on Dalhousie the following afternoon at 3 pm.

“We are looking forward to hosting both Mt. A and Dal and to finish strong on their final weekend of play for the first half of the season,” said coach Bruce Donaldson. “We have told our players each and every day, ‘don't be confused over other team’s records. Both are two very good hockey teams that work exceptionally hard. If you don't come physically and mentally prepared to play, you will be disappointed in the outcome.’ Our players need to remember the goals that they established for the first term, we are within reach but have lots of work to do in getting ready for the weekend. We have worked too hard not to play our very best hockey.”

Panther Basketball will hold its Shoot for the Cure fundraiser on Saturday evening. Both the men’s and women’s teams play Memorial University. The women’s game begins at 6 pm. The men tip off at 8 pm. Join in the fight against breast cancer by purchasing a Shoot for the Cure t-shirt, make a donation, or pick up a treat at the bake sale.

“The Panthers are looking to rebound from four road losses when they host the Memorial Sea Hawks this Saturday and Sunday,” said women’s coach Greg Gould. “It should be a great weekend of basketball. We’re especially looking forward to the annual Shoot for the Cure game on Saturday, when Kiera Rigby will be getting her hair cut to donate to the local branch of the Canadian Cancer Society.”

“Memorial is coming in at 5-1 and in first place overall in our league,” said Tim Kendrick, coach of the UPEI Men’s Basketball team. “It’s no secret that we have been struggling at both ends of the court. Our players understand that we need to improve if we want to beat such a good team. We will have to certainly play well and execute more efficiently if we hope to be successful!”

Due to the Charlottetown Christmas Parade on Saturday evening, fans attending the Women's Hockey game at 3pm and Women's Basketball game at 6 pm must access campus from the Belvedere Avenue entrance. Also, fans are advised they will not be able to exit the campus between 5:00 and 5:30 pm.

Sunday, it’s Minor Basketball Day at UPEI, as both teams take on MUN again. The women play at 1 pm, while the men start at 3 pm. All minor basketball teams and coaches are admitted free and are invited to arrive by 12:15 pm for “Meet the Panthers,” face painting, sign making, and a pre-game coaches social.

It’s not too late to purchase your Panther Package, the best sports deal on Prince Edward Island! Your $75 season ticket gets you into every home Panther home game, in every sport (except Men’s Hockey). Find more details at gopanthersgo.ca.