SEASON PREVIEW: Panthers set for 2024-25 resurgence
Driven. Hungry. Determined. Pick any adjective, and it captures the mindset of the UPEI Panthers women’s hockey team as they head into the 2024-25 season.
October 3, 2024
By Thomas Becker
Driven. Hungry. Determined. Pick any adjective, and it captures the mindset of the UPEI Panthers women's hockey team as they head into the 2024-25 season.
After missing the playoffs for the first time since 2015-16, the team is out to prove that last year was nothing more than a blip on the radar. Last season's setback has only fueled their fire, and they're motivated to flip the script, reclaim their playoff spot, and show that they're a force to be reckoned with in Atlantic University Sport (AUS) once again.
"At our core, we're a resilient bunch," said head coach Sean Fisher. "We were unhappy with how last season went and I think you'll see a very motivated group this year."
Last season's eight one-goal losses showed just how close the Panthers were to turning the tide in their favour. If they can convert those close calls into victories this year, the Panthers are poised to take a big leap forward.
"We played in a lot of close games that, with a break or two, could have gone our way and put us in the post season," said newly named captain Chloe McCabe.
With a clean slate and renewed focus, McCabe believes the team has what it takes to make a serious playoff run.
"We have a great group and a deep lineup. We're confident we're going to be a team that will be tough to compete against," she said. "We took advantage of the time we had in training camp and are eager to start the season with momentum."
The Panthers don't have to look far for inspiration, with the St. Thomas Tommies providing the perfect example. After missing the playoffs in 2022-23, the Tommies returned the following year with a vengeance, finishing fourth in the regular season and pushing the St. FX X-Women to four games in a tightly contested semifinal series. The blueprint for a comeback is clear—now it's up to the Panthers to follow it.
At the forefront of the success plan is the Panthers' defence, which will be one of their strengths this season. With a wealth of quality depth at his disposal, Fisher is confident in his blue line's ability to skate, defend, and transition the puck up the ice with precision. Leading the charge are third-year player Orianna MacNeil and sophomore Anjali Simms, both of whom play a solid two-way game that should benefit the team at both ends.
UPEI will be in good hands on the goaltending front with the tandem of Sarah Forsythe and Erin Cabaday. Both goaltenders have proven they can handle the pressures of starting in the AUS, and their steady play between the pipes will be crucial in keeping the Panthers in tight games.
Offensively, the Panthers know they'll have to grind out goals. They'll be looking to score by doing the dirty work—getting bodies to the net, fighting for rebounds, and putting pucks into high-danger areas.
The veteran forwards will be the key to unlocking the team's offensive potential. With a collective effort, they aim to break down opposing defences and capitalize on second-chance opportunities.
Hoping to bolster the Panthers' lineup is the 2024 rookie class, a group that has the potential to make an immediate impact. Forwards Julia Cey and Renée Chapman are dynamic talents, capable of finding the back of the net and driving the offence. On the defensive end, Sadie Brown and Jessica Mercer are mature beyond their years and prepared to help in any situation.
With a deep defensive corps, reliable goaltending, and a gritty approach to scoring, the Panthers are determined to turn the page on last season and prove they are ready to some make noise in the AUS.
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