Panthers cruise past Mounties 5-0

SACKVILLE, NB—Before puck drop both teams gathered in support of the Hockey Gives Blood campaign – together with the Canadian Blood Services they endeavour to promote blood donation as an integral component of hockey programs social and community responsibility.  

Mounties fourth-year forward Lauren Steele (Stratford, PEI) was named a Hockey Gives Blood Ambassador and was able to give tribute to her brother Michael who passed away in November 2022. 

After the final whistle it was the Panthers who would go one to beat the Mounties by a score of 5-0. 

The game's first goal came courtesy of well-placed shot by Chiara Esposito (Winnipeg, MB) using the Mounties player as a screen to give UPEI the lead. 

The Panthers would add a second moments later as a wild bounce off a Mounties stick would find its way in the back of the net, Ruby Loughton (Toronto, ON) with credit on the goal. At the end of a penalty filled first period the Panthers led 2-0. 

UPEI would capitalize on an early powerplay in the second to go up 3-0 as Chloe McCabe (Charlottetown, PEI) squeezed one in on the short side. McCabe would pick up a secondary assist on the Panthers fourth goal as she helped setup teammate Taylor Gillis (Summerside, PEI) for her 13th goal of the season. 

The Mounties thought they had gotten one back when Molly Baxendale (Dalem Lake, NS) was sent in all alone and beat the keeper but the puck sat on the goal line and stayed out. Panthers outshot the Mounties 26-12 after two periods. 

Subway Player of the Game Orianna MacNeil (Mabou, NS) would put her team up 5-0 in the third and seal the win for the Panthers. 

UPEI (16-8-1-0) will travel to Halifax tomorrow to take on Saint Mary's at 7 p.m. 

Mount Allison (2-20-1-1) for their part will go on the road on February 5 to face the AUS leading UNB Varsity Reds at 3 p.m.

RECAP COURTESY: Mount Allison Sports Information / PHOTOS BY: Galen Razi Juliusson