McKinley Nelson breaks UPEI goals record as Panthers defeat Mounties 4-1

By Thomas Becker 

Saturday night was a historic one for McKinley Nelson.

The sophomore forward broke UPEI's record for most goals in a single season with her 16th, which came on an empty net goal at 19:26 that sealed a 4-1 win over the Mount Allison Mounties. 

Nelson passed Kelsey O'Donnell's mark of 15, which was set during the 2007-08 season. 

"It's definitely an honour to hold a record here at UPEI," Nelson said. "I wouldn't be where I am without my teammates and coaches, so I definitely need to give them credit." 

Nelson's teammate Taylor Gillis had a shot at history as well, as she scored the team's first two goals of the game to bring her total to 15. Both played a shift while Mount Allison's net was empty, but in the end, it was Nelson who pulled off the feat. 

Kaiya Maracle also added a goal in the win, while Lexie Murphy chipped in with a pair of assists. 

Much like Friday's game, the Panthers (17-9-2) got off to a slow start and let their opponent do what they wanted. As a result, they fell behind at 13:32 when Megan Breum took the puck from the corner and turned toward the left circle before firing a shot by goaltender Shaylin McFarlane for the power play marker. 

"We've been struggling with how we start games recently," said Gillis after the game. "So after the first period, we regrouped and found a way." 

UPEI found the equalizer midway through the second period when Gillis took the loose puck in front and tucked the forehand just under the crossbar and in.

And just like their last game, the Panthers took control in the third period, but this time came away with the win. 

At 7:27, Orianna MacNeil sent a long pass through the neutral zone to Gillis, who beat the last defender and deked goaltender Bianca Zak before sliding a backhand by her for the beautiful goal to make it 2-1.

About five and a half minutes later, UPEI scored again on a great individual play from Maracle. The sophomore forward raced up the left side and wrapped around the net before firing a shot at the net that hit Zak and trickled across the line for the 3-1 lead.

Nelson then closed out the 4-1 win with her historic goal in the final minute of the regular season. 

The fourth-place Panthers now look ahead to the AUS playoffs where they'll take on the fifth-seeded Dalhousie Tigers in a best-of-three opening round.

Photo Credit: Justin Arenburg and Mike Needham