Panthers upset UNB in 4-3 shootout win

By Thomas Becker

The new-look Panthers showed fans why they're a team on the rise, upending the defending national champions the UNB Varsity Reds in a 4-3 shootout Saturday night.

Trailing 3-1 midway through the third period, the Varsity Reds stormed back to tie the game on back-to-back powerplay goals, before UPEI sealed the deal on a lone shootout goal by J.C. Campagna.

"They deserved this win tonight, they've been working hard for this moment," said Panthers head coach Forbes MacPherson. "Any time you grind it out for 60-plus minutes and get a win you should be excited."

It was an even matched affair early as both teams traded shot attempts. Little came of the opportunities as the keepers stood tall, stopping any threat that came their way.

Alex Dubeau's goaltending was on point as he kept his poise on scrambles at the net, while also coming up big, stopping a Marcus Power breakaway.

Panthers' goaltender Matt Mahalak matched Dubeau save for save, but eventually gave way to a last second goal that took a fortunate bounce off the end boards right to Jordan Murray's stick.

After the last second hiccup, the Panthers came out a stronger team in the middle period.

In the opening minutes, Dubeau was tested again on a Kurt Etchegary breakaway, denying the forward's attempt. But that was only the start of the Panthers' attack, as they finally broke through at 5:36 on Nelson Armstrong's first goal of the season.

Less than two minutes later, Etchegary found a wide open Marcus Power, who buried the puck in the empty cage, pulling the Panthers ahead 2-1.

Campagna rifled his second of the season past Dubeau to open the scoring in the third, before UNB clawed their way back. At 9:57, Murray notched a powerplay goal for his second of the game, cutting the deficit to 3-2.

Penalties plagued UPEI throughout the game and they paid for it again in the final minute, when UNB forward Stephen Anderson connected on a powerplay marker, tying the game 3-3 and sending it to extras.

After a scoreless overtime period, Campagna was the only skater to score in the shootout, giving UPEI the win.

"This is a nice win for our group, but on Monday it's back to work," said MacPherson. 

The Varsity Reds look to get their revenge at home where they'll take on the Panthers. Game time is 7 p.m. on Oct 12.