Panthers hungry for redemption in 2025-26

By Thomas Becker

In 2023-24, the Panthers showed what was possible. Last year reminded them how difficult the climb can be. But with a maturing core and new leadership, this season is about proving they're tougher, wiser, and ready to turn setbacks into success.

For head coach Forbes MacPherson, the challenges are part of the natural climb toward building something stronger.

"We were essentially an expansion team. We had 18 first-year Panthers, 15 freshmen, and that first year we completely punched above our weight," MacPherson said. "Last year was a step back, but we've added important pieces, our young players are maturing, and there's a lot of excitement around this group." 

Now the focus shifts to 2025-26, where lessons learned and an influx of young talent give the Panthers reason to believe a turnaround is within reach.

McFarlane leads the charge

At the heart of that rise is newly named captain Ben McFarlane. After scoring 17 goals and six assists last season, he not only returns as a top offensive weapon but also as the team's emotional leader. 

"I plan to lead by example, competing every night, playing physical, getting pucks on net, and being a positive leader when times get tough," he said. 

McFarlane sees last season less as a setback and more as a lesson that strengthened the group's resolve. 

"We thought because we were older the second year was going to go better, and we let off the gas a little bit," he admitted. "As painful as that was, it was a good lesson to learn. Now everyone knows the standard we need to uphold. I can feel a fire coming from this group and a real want to win."

Building the attack

That hunger comes at the right time, as the Panthers look to replace Kaleb Pearson, one of the league's most dangerous forwards.

Third-year winger Josh Currie and sophomores Robert Orr and Brett Bressette are expected to take big steps forward. Currie's goal-scoring ability, Bressette's creativity, and Orr's speed give the Panthers different looks in the offensive zone, and all three could become reliable point producers with another year of experience. 

Three rookies—Simon Hughes, Donovan Arsenault, and Colby Huggan—bring added size, scoring touch, and energy. Their arrival means McFarlane won't be asked to carry the offence alone.

Just as important are the players who embody the hard-nosed style MacPherson values. Veterans Keiran Gallant, Patrick LeBlanc, and Yanic Crête bring a steady, lunch-pail energy to the forward corps—players who thrive on doing the little things right, battling in tough areas, and setting a tone for the rest of the lineup. 

"You can't replace a guy like Kaleb with one person, but we've had a significant recruiting class," MacPherson said. "There's a lot of excitement with that group and the potential of players like Brett after a year under their belt."

A new-look defence

The blueline also has a different complexion. With former captain Kurtis Henry moving on, Cole Larkin steps in as an assistant captain and cornerstone. His confidence and offensive instincts shone late last season, giving the Panthers a reliable two-way presence.

Veteran Alexandre De Gagné offers leadership and consistency, while sophomore Zach Biggar is eager to build off a solid rookie campaign. Freshmen Isaac Vos and Antoine Michaud add mobility and upside. On top of that, newcomer Tim Gould brings valuable experience as a fifth-year player, while a healthy Derek Pys provides depth to round out the group.

MacPherson likes the athleticism and agility of this group, even if it looks different from past defensive units.

"Our D corps has a completely different makeup now," he said. "These guys skate well, they're very active, and they can push the pace. The key is using that mobility in a way that helps the team without losing our structure."

Goaltending as the X-factor

Perhaps the biggest swing factor for the Panthers is in net. The tandem of Jakob Robillard and Joe Ranger endured some challenges last season but now have the chance to reset.

If both goalies find their rhythm, it could be the turning point of the Panthers' season. Reliable play in net would free the team to fully unleash MacPherson's up-tempo style. 

"We like to push the pace, play fast, and take away time and space," he said. "For me, safe is death. Hockey should be fun when you get after it, and that's the brand of hockey we want to play." 

Back with purpose 

The Panthers know they can't control the past, but they can control the standard they set moving forward. With more experience, new talent, and a leadership group determined to raise the bar, the pieces are in place for a resurgence.

For McFarlane, that standard comes down to a relentless mindset.

"We need to treat every game like it's Game 7 of the playoffs," he said. "If we do that and play the Panther way, the expectations for this team are high. We've got talent, we've got heart, and that's a deadly combination."

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