Beotts Notes by Steve McManus

Panthers Men's Hockey in Tight Division Race

The UPEI men's hockey panthers are slowly attempting to climb up the AUS standings as they try to grab two points from every game they play. Recently the guys were able to defeat the divi- sion leading UNB Varsity Reds 5-3 this past Saturday. UPEI has beaten four of the top five teams in the division and have realized that any team can be beaten on any given day. All the boys need to do is string a few wins together and they will be looking down on the rest of the teams.

On the bright side UPEI has won against all the top teams but the down side has seen them drop close games to those very same opponents. The standings this year have and will continue to fluc- tuate throughout the season because of the competitiveness in the league this year. If UPEI goal- tender Jason Flick can continue his strong play, and the defensive line led by Adam Rivet and Adam Campbell step up their play, the panthers will contend for the title of AUS Champions and who knows where the guys may go from there.

Upcoming Games Include:

Opponent Date Time

at UDM_ Wed, Nov 19th = 7:30 at UNB-~ Sat, Nov 22nd 7:00 at UDM _ Sat, Nov 29th 7:00 vsSTU Sun, Nov 30th = 7:00. vs UDM__ Wed, Jan 7th 7:00

Women's Hockey off to Disappointing Start

On the other side of the coin the women's hockey panthers are in their second year of varsity status and have yet to win a game. However, this sophomore squad haven't let up on a game, and have continued to fight hard until the final whistle of every game they have played thus far.

This past weekend was nothing different for the girls as they dropped two games, the first of which to St. Thomas, 5-0 and again on Sunday to Mt. Allison, 5- 1 and fall to the basement of the standings with a dismal 0-5 record with only 9 games remaining in the season. These recent losses were also dished out to the panthers by two teams also struggling this year. MTA picking up their first win of the season and STU with only their second.

One bright spot for the lady panthers so far this season is the play of third year business stu- dent and goaltender Jennifer Champion. In two games this year Jennifer has allowed only 3 goals whereas the panthers have allowed their opponents to accumulate a total of 30 goals in just 5 games. Posting a GAA of only 1.50 is impressive for this 5'6 K'town native has looked sharp for the panthers and if she is able to con- tinue this pace, the girls just might squeak out a win sometime soon.

Upcoming Games Include:

Opponent Date Time at SMU Sat, Nov 22nd _ _~—-2:00 vs MTA _ Sat, Nov 29th 2:00 vs UNB_- Sun, Nov 30th 6:00 at UNB — Sun, Jan 11th 2:00 vs SMU _ Sat, Jan 17th 3:00

Men's Basketball Split Season Openers with UNB

UPEI opened its basket- ball regular on the road this past weekend with two games against UNB. Saturday wasn't UPEI's day as they dropped a nail biter 72-71 in Fredricton, handing UNB their first win of the early season. Dan Goggin for the Reds was named player of the game. But on Sunday our panthers came back with vengeance in their eyes and were able to split the season opening series with an 86-77 victory. Jeff Walker played a strong game and was awarded player of the game for his efforts.

The panthers next game,.and possible biggest test of the season comes in the form of St. Francis Xavier on Friday Nov. 21st. The X-Men have consistently put out contending teams year after year. They have captured three of the previous four AUS Championships, including back to back CIAU Championships in 2000 and 2001. BUT they were put out last year by our UPEI Panthers in the semi-finals! It should be an

interesting rematch and you know

the panthers will be looking to

reassure the eX-Champions that -

last year was no fluke.

Upcoming Games Include:

Opponent Date Time at SFX Fri, Nov 21st 8:00 vs UCCB Sat, Nov 29th 8:00 | vs UCCB Sun, Nov 30th 2:00 vs SMU _ Sat, Jan 10th 8:00 vs SMU © Sun, Jan 11th 4:00

Women's Basketball Drop First Two Games of Season

Saturday was a heart- breaker for the UPEI women's bas- ketball team as they dropped their season opener in a close battle 74- 72 against a formidable opponent in the UNB Varsity Reds. The girls played strong but came up just short with their efforts. Unfortunately it was much of the same for the panthers on Sunday as once again they tasted a bitter pill of defeat 74-66. For the Reds, Amber Lenihan played extremely well and picked up player of the - game honours in both games.

: The girls have three © games against remaining before the Xmas break, one against STFX and two at home, versus UCCB. These three games are crucial to the girls success this year; they don't want to drop to 0-5 but if they are able to come away with three victories they will put themselves over that five hundred mark and will be able to make a strong run at the postsea- son.

Upcoming Games Include:

Opponent Date Time at SFX Fri, Nov 21st 6:00 vs UCCB Sat, Nov 29th 6:00 vs UCCB Sun, Nov 30th 12:00 vs SMU _ Sat, Jan 10th 6:00 vs SMU 2:00

Sun, Jan 11th

oe _

UPEI Cadre November 17 2003 page