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The Cadre_+__10March1298

UNB Edges UPEI Puck Panthers in the Semis

BY BILLY MCQUEEN

Most of the UPEI hockey fans knew that the post season draw against UNB was going to be a tough one. UNB was ranked as number one in the country, and facing off against our under .500 hockey team didn’t look promising. The boys lost the first game, but regained their composure in the second and third ones to save the sweep.

UNB, unbeaten at home this year, took charge in the first game beating the Panthers 9- 4. The Panthers realized at this point that the season was almost over and they rallied to beat the Reds at the Civic centre last Friday night. The Panthers controlled the first period and managed to hang on for the remaining periods to clinch the 4-2 win. The win was a result of excellent goaltending by Dave Mitchell as well as taking advantage of their opportunities.

The third and final Panther game was different from the second game-- the Panthers rallied late in the third period. The final score was 5-4, a valiant effort from our boys so close to a major post-season upset.

Puck Panther Duncan Fader commented that in the final game the “Panthers played hard, but it was too little too late.” Fader pointed out that UNB made the most of their power plays where they scored three times; however, UPEI had chances on eight power plays (one of them a five minute major) and only scored once.

The Panthers had a turbulent season but proved that playing hard in the playoffs is what counts in the end.

Sports Briefs

BY BILLY MCQUEEN

The Women’s AUAA finals were on at UPEI the weekend of March 6 - 8. UPEI goes into the tourney as the number one seed. Teams to watch out for are UNB and SMU. If UNB slows the game down enough the girls may have some trouble; however, if the Panthers keep their running game up to ‘scratch’ no other women’s team in the AUAA can compete with them. UPEI went into the AUAA record books this season:

* Tied steals per game record (26) against SFX Nov. 30th (old record held by SFX).

* Most three point attempts (282) old record was set by UPEI in 95-96 season (253).

* Most three pointers in a season (87) old record was set by MUN (84) in 95/96 season.

The men’s basketball finals are again in Halifax this ga The games begin the weekend of March 13. My pick for

AUAA champs is Acadia. The Panthers have been playing their best basketball of the season, and may pull off an upset.

Until next issue, I'll see you at the games....

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