Shorthanded Panthers fall 3-1 to top-ranked Reds despite gritty effort

By Thomas Becker

Despite a gutsy performance from a depleted lineup, the shorthanded UPEI Panthers couldn't overcome the nation's top-ranked UNB Reds, falling 3-1 Saturday night. 

Missing four of their top six forwards, the Panthers (0-4) put up a valiant effort but were ultimately outmatched by the Reds' potent attack and disciplined defence. Emmett Sproule led the charge with a goal and an assist, while Peter Reynolds and Cody Morgan also scored in the win.

UNB (4-0) opened the scoring on a power play at 11:49 of the first period. Sproule jarred the puck loose along the boards on the forecheck and sent a cross-ice pass to Reynolds, who buried a one-timer past goaltender Joe Ranger.

Coming out of the first intermission, the Reds had 26 seconds remaining on a power play and wasted no time doubling their lead. Just 21 seconds into the second period, Morgan passed the puck to the point to Sam McGinley, who quickly returned it, setting up a one-timer by Morgan.

UNB had the Panthers on their heels five minutes later and delivered another blow. Oscar Plandowski unleashed a shot from the blue line that was deflected in front by Sproule, which extended the Reds' lead to 3-0 at the 6:08 mark.

Though the game seemed to be slipping away, UPEI showed resilience. At 15:26, Carter McCluskey found a loose puck in front of the Reds' net and tucked it past the outstretched leg of goaltender Samuel Richard to cut the deficit to 3-1.

The third period saw the Reds lock down defensively, keeping UPEI off the scoreboard for the remainder of the game. Richard's 16-save performance helped seal the win for UNB, while Ranger did all he could for the Panthers, stopping 22 shots in a losing effort.

The Panthers will look to rebound as they hit the road for the first time next Friday, taking on the St. FX X-Men, while the Reds travel to Wolfville for a battle with the Acadia Axemen.

Photo Credit: Janessa Vanden Broek