Panthers top Tigers 3-2 in OT

(MONTAGUE, P.E.I.) - The UPEI Panthers rebounded from a tough loss the night before to outlast the Dalhousie Tigers at the Cavendish Farms Wellness Centre in front of a full house at the Cavendish Farms Wellness Centre in Montague, Saturday night.

It was a special night as the game was played in memory of the late Brent and Brendon McGuigan who died August 20 following a shooting on St Mary's Road. The event also generated a financial contribution to be donated to the family.

The Panthers jumped out to an early 1-0 lead thanks to Cole MacMillan (Stanhope, P.E.I.) finding the back of the net just 3:59 into the first period off a pass from Chris Desousa (Mississauga, Ont.).  The score would stay this way for the remainder of the period and most of the second frame as both goalies turned away any chances.

Dalhousie's Andrew Wigginton (Sackville, N.S.) assisted by Pierre Vandall (St. Louis de France, Que.) and Luke Madill (Red Deer, Alta.) would score the equalizer late in the second period on the power play.

However, the Panthers struck back in the final minute of the second period off the stick of Brent Andrews (Hunter River, P.E.I.) to take a 2-1 lead into the third period. Matthew Brenton (Stewiacke, N.S.) and Marcus Power (St. John's, Nfld.) earned assists on the goal.

The back and forth battle continued into the third period and Dalhousie was able to pull even with the Panthers at 2-2 when JP Harvey (Cole Harbour, N.S.) and Pierre Vandall set up teammate Steven Johnston (Sudbury, Ont.) for the tying goal.

Despite a number of chances from both squads the score would stayed tied at the end of regulation, 2-2.

The overtime period would not last long as it only took UPEI one shot to net the game winner just 1:56 into the extra frame. Marcus Power would tally his second point of the game with a highlight worthy breakaway goal to propel the Panthers to a 3-2 victory.

The UPEI Panthers (5-7-2) will face Université de Moncton (6-6-2) Wednesday, Nov. 26 at 7 p.m.in Charlottetown, P.E.I.

Dalhousie (4-9-1) is also in action Wednesday, Nov. 26 at 7 p.m. when they travel to Wolfville to take on the Acadia Axemen (11-3-0).

Source: Jonathan Lane for UPEI Sports Information