UPEI Panthers ringette team shatters expectations with undefeated championship debut

By Thomas Becker

 

In their first-ever season, the UPEI Panthers ringette team didn't just compete—they dominated.

 

Storming through the Atlantic University Challenge Cup with an undefeated 8-0 record, the UPEI club team racked up 56 goals while allowing only 13, capping off their historic debut with a resounding 8-2 championship win over the St. FX X-Women.

 

With 11 players boasting Canada Games experience, the Panthers thrived in these high-stakes moments. Team captain Brooklyn MacInnis reflected on the team's composure during the final where they scored five unanswered goals in the last period.

 

"The game was close for a long time, but we never panicked. Some teams might have cracked under the pressure, but we stayed cool, stuck to our game plan, and eventually broke it open."

 

Their dominance was built on a well-balanced team structure. The tandem of Georgia Fraser and Janika Godin provided steady goaltending, while a strong defensive unit, led by MacInnis and Chloe Labrech, frustrated opposing offences. Up front, a dynamic forward group spearheaded by co-captain Natalie Caron, Ella MacPherson, and seniors Devon Costello, Alexa Carpenter, Sydney Marshall, and Jamie MacAulay made UPEI's attack a nightmare to contain.

 

UPEI wasted no time making an impact, delivering a decisive 7-2 victory over St. FX that set the tone for the rest of the tournament. MacAulay and Olivia Devine led the charge with two goals each, while Fraser provided a rock-solid performance in net.

 

Kicking off their grueling three-game day, the Panthers overwhelmed the UNB Reds with an 8-1 victory. Clare Bowie sparked the offence with two early goals, giving UPEI immediate momentum. Godin stood tall in net, ensuring UNB never found their rhythm.

 

Just hours later, UPEI delivered another offensive clinic against the Acadia Axewomen. The game started with a bang—a perfectly executed set play saw UPEI score within the first 10 seconds. The Panthers showcased their depth as six different Panthers found the back of the net in a dominant 9-2 victory.

 

A 7-0 shutout against the Saint Mary's Huskies demonstrated UPEI's defensive prowess. MacPherson and Tori Chapman each netted two goals, while Godin posted another stellar game in goal.

The Panthers faced their toughest test yet against the Mount Allison Mounties, edging out a nail-biting 5-4 win despite dominating with a 47-12 shot advantage. MacPherson stepped up yet again, scoring twice to secure the win and keep the Panthers undefeated.

 

UPEI faced the defending champion Dalhousie Tigers to close out the round robin and ended their reign with a statement 4-0 shutout. MacPherson added two more goals, while Fraser locked down the goal in a perfect defensive effort.

 

The semifinals saw UPEI overpower the Reds once again, this time with a commanding 8-2 win. MacPherson led the charge with two goals, while Olivia Devine racked up four points. MacInnis and Lily MacPhee anchored the defence, keeping UNB's attack at bay all game.

 

Unlike their previous encounter, this one stayed tight for much of the contest. Both teams traded scoring chances in a fast-paced first period, with St. FX determined to slow UPEI's relentless attack.

 

But the Panthers remained poised under pressure. They stuck to their system, patiently waiting for their moment to strike. That moment came in the final period, where UPEI erupted for five unanswered goals, breaking the game wide open before claiming their first title with an 8-2 win.

 

Reflecting on the team's success, MacInnis acknowledged the impact of head coach Mike Devine.

 

"Coach Devine prepared us for the grind of eight games in four days. We trained hard and treated every game like it was our last," she said. "This win means everything to us—many of us have played together for years, but to do it at the university level, in our very first season, is special."

 

From an unknown contender to an undefeated champion, the Panthers' first season will go down in history. And if this debut is any indication, the rest of the league has been put on notice: UPEI Ringette is here to stay.