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Panthers earn key points in 4-1 home win over Aigles Bleues

In the first of two crucial games this week between the UPEI Panthers and Moncton Aigles Bleues, the Island triumphed in the first “battle of the bridge.”

Panthers earn key points in 4-1 home win over Aigles Bleues
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January 28, 2026

By Reegan MacAulay

In the first of two crucial games this week between the UPEI Panthers and Moncton Aigles Bleues, the Island triumphed in the first "battle of the bridge."

The Panthers broke a fourth-place deadlock after defeating the Aigles Bleues 4-1 on Wednesday night at MacLauchlan Arena, ending a five-game homestand on a high note with their first regulation win in 2026 and earning valuable points amidst a tight playoff race.

It was another game where the Panthers produced a high shot volume, firing 45 shots on goal against the Aigles Bleues. While the past couple of matches featured that and a lacklustre showing on the scoresheet, UPEI finally found their groove in this one, helped by a second-period surge and numerous players snapping lengthy goalless streaks.

"I thought we were a little slow in the first (period), but then we got going in the second (period)," head coach Sean Fisher said. "That was one of the best periods we've played in a long time. And then, third, there were a couple of shifts where we were a bit loose, but for the most part locked it down, and got some positive results, so happy with that."

The floodgates opened at 4:32 of the second period, when rookie Clara Williams and Sarah Fraser were sprung on a two-on-one down the ice, which ended with Williams burying a backhander into an open net for the 1-0 goal.

"It was pretty and an unreal feeling (to get on the board). Good way to start the game off," said Williams, who had been scratched the previous game but returned for this one and stood out well.

Three minutes and 17 seconds later, at 7:49, came Chiara Esposito's big moment on a power play. Amidst a scramble in front of the Moncton net with netminder Annick Boudreau fighting to cover the puck, Esposito poked the puck loose in the crease and slid a rebound into the net for the 2-0 goal. It was her first goal since Halloween on Oct. 31.

"It felt really good (to get on the board)," said Esposito, who then assisted the next goal to mark her first multi-point game this season. "I think everyone was going, we had all the lines creating opportunities and chances, so it was nice that we finally got rewarded for that."

Orianna MacNeil let go a snipe from the high slot at 12:27 of the third period, extending UPEI's lead to three.

Hayden Lilly then made it 4-0 at 16:04, roofing a sharp-angle shot from the corner of the left-side boards, joining Esposito with her first goal since Halloween.

The Aigles Bleues would then score their lone goal at 17:34 courtesy of Zoe Falardeau, but that wouldn't be enough to force a late comeback against the superior Panthers.

The two teams will clash again Saturday night in Moncton, N.B., as the Panthers look to further separate themselves from the Aigles Bleues in the standings, inch closer to potentially clinching home-ice advantage for the playoffs, and continue to bounce back from a tough start to the new year.

"Our assistant coach, Lance (Jones), said it best," Esposito said. "Bumpy roads lead to great places, so you just have to stay the course, buy into it, and trust the process."

Photos by Janessa Vanden Broek

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