Panthers to play for bronze after dropping semifinal game to Alberta 4-1

The UPEI Panthers are still playing for a medal even though it's not the colour they wanted.

In an emotionally charged game, the Alberta Golden Bears defeated the Panthers 4-1 to advance to the U CUP final, while the hometown team will battle for bronze when they take on the UQTR Patriotes Sunday afternoon. 

"When we came here, we had a goal in mind like all eight teams, but the goal shifts now," said Panthers head coach Forbes MacPherson. "We're a small school and the other three programs (left in the tournament) are the most decorated in U SPORTS men's hockey and we're trying to get this program to another level. So tomorrow's a big day for us and our guys will be excited." 

Alberta's Matt Fonteyne and Nolan Volcan each recorded a goal and an assist, while Eric Florchuk and Tyler Preziuso also scored in the win. Conor MacEachern was the lone goal-scorer for the Panthers.

The Golden Bears took a lead just 23 seconds into the game when Fonteyne got by a defender and delivered a pass in front to Florchuk, who slipped a backhand by Jonah Capriotti.

After that, it was a defensive battle throughout the period as both teams combined for just 14 shots with the Panthers carrying the edge 8-6. 

However, the top power play unit in the country went to work early in the second period and expanded on their lead. While on the two-man advantage, Dawson Davidson found Fonteyne with a long cross-ice pass and the third-year forward didn't disappoint, as he beat Capriotti gloveside with the one-timer. 

Late in the frame, Alberta capitalized on a friendly bounce when Tyler Preziuso's shot hit Nolan Volcan and lingered in front of the net before Volcan snuck one by Capriotti and the right post to make it 3-0.

Preziuso added another goal for Alberta at 12:59 all but sealing the win.

With less than three minutes remaining, MacEachern denied the Golden Bears a shutout after firing a slap shot by backup netminder Matt Berlin to make it 4-1.

The Panthers won't have much time to rest, as they'll play for bronze at 1 p.m.