Panthers end four-game skid with 3-2 shootout win over Tommies

By Reegan MacAulay

Lady Luck has finally dealt a good hand to the UPEI Panthers in 2026.

After four games of trying and frustration, the Panthers triumphed in their fifth game of the regular season's second half. Not only did they end the St. Thomas Tommies' seven-game win streak, but they finally pulled through for their first victory since November 2025, edging out the Tommies 3-2 in a shootout Saturday afternoon at MacLauchlan Arena.

As has been a common pattern in recent games, the Panthers dominated the shot category, outpacing STU 42-16 across 65 minutes, but the opponent's goalie – Katie Sweeney this time – made life difficult for UPEI. While extra time was required, allowing the Tommies to grab a crucial point, nonetheless, the Panthers got the monkey off their back, as head coach Sean Fisher put it post-game.

"We've played some pretty good hockey the past couple of games," Fisher said. "It was nice to finally get rewarded in the win column, even though the rest of our process has been pretty good the past couple of weeks. For us, the message was to be what we are, be good versions of ourselves, and not deviate and go off on our own page. Just be exemplary of what our team identity is and our team DNA.

"We lead the conference in shots on net, so that's not a problem. The quality of our shots still needs to continue to get better, and I would also say we need a little more poise and patience in the scoring area and dirty areas to bury a few more, and that'll probably be a message as we move forward here the next few weeks."

Besides an early STU goal by Claire Nimegeers at 3:34, the game started relatively even, with opportunities and hits traded back and forth. UPEI came flying out of the gates in the second period and found the scoresheet at 1:47.

Off a shot by Anjali Simms from the point, the puck bounced off a Tommies defender and to the low slot, fooling Sweeney into opening the net for Ashley McCutcheon, who fired home a quick rebound for her seventh goal of the season, tying the score 1-1.

McCutcheon off the deflection! pic.twitter.com/935vt5DmwC

— UPEI Women's Hockey (@UPEIWHockey) January 24, 2026

The Panthers continued to control the pace across the remainder of the period and the third frame. While STU managed to capitalize on a power play at 4:11 of the third with an Amber Daley goal, UPEI quickly responded at 6:55. Amidst heavy traffic in front of the net, Chloe McCabe squeaked a shot from the low slot past Sweeney's blocker to tie the game 2-2.

McCabe from the slot! pic.twitter.com/5jLixAv606

— UPEI Women's Hockey (@UPEIWHockey) January 24, 2026

Despite some more close calls and one power play for each team, neither could seal the deal in regulation, forcing overtime. The extra five minutes solved nothing, sending the game into a shootout. An Orianna MacNeil forehand-backhand roofer and a clutch Erin Cabaday save earned the Panthers a hard-fought, relieving victory.

"What a beauty goal," Fisher said about MacNeil's winner. "A great move by Ori. She's deceptive and crafty and skilled, and when you mix all that together, you get a potential AUS highlight of the week right there."

UPEI is poised to stay in the win column when they host the Moncton Aigles Bleues on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Notably, that's not the only game next week between the two teams – after Wednesday, they'll meet again on Saturday in Moncton, N.B., setting up a "battle of the bridge" rivalry series that'll be significant towards the playoff race.

"We've got to find a way to get some points, and it's going to be a quick turnaround," Fisher said. "It's a weird week again with the midweek game on Wednesday, and then Saturday in Moncton, so we'll have to get it together and get refocused. We'll enjoy tonight's win and then get back at it."

Photos by Janessa Vanden Broek