Panthers upset X-Women in 4-3 shootout thriller

By Reegan MacAulay

Friday the 13th at MacLauchlan Arena delivered exactly the kind of unpredictability fans might expect.

In an emotional Senior Night showdown, roared on by a packed, energetic crowd, the UPEI Panthers prevailed in a dramatic battle against the conference-leading and nationally ranked St. Francis Xavier X-Women, closing out the home portion of their regular-season campaign with a statement 4-3 shootout win.

A contest filled with momentum swings – including four third-period goals in seven minutes – and special-teams battles that produced 32 combined penalty minutes, the Panthers rallied to extend their winning streak to six and inch closer to potentially securing home-ice advantage for their first playoff appearance in three years.

"(StFX is) a good team," head coach Sean Fisher said. "They're number three in the country for a reason. They have good players over there who were able to get a few on us. I liked our group's resiliency; we just stuck to it, that's what I'm most proud of. They just kept playing for each other and sticking together.

"Since October 1st, every game's been a playoff game. We're trying to ratchet it up, manage our emotions along the way, stay in the moment, and keep playing for each other. And it was a great atmosphere. Such a great crowd here tonight, so I'm really happy that people come out to support women's hockey, our seniors, and a winning team."

Panthers captain Chloe McCabe had a standout performance, scoring two highlight-reel goals. She extended UPEI's first lead to two at 13:45 of the second period and gave her team back the lead at 11:28 of the third. She now has five goals and six points in her last six games.

"It was senior night, so emotions were high," McCabe said. "Standings are tight. We knew what we had to play for. These last few games are huge, so I think everyone just had this exact same mindset that we have to come out hard and come out for the full 60 minutes. I think our whole team did that. My brain switched to playoff mode, and we got the job done."

Renee Chapman's second goal of the season and first since Halloween – Oct. 31, 2025 – opened the scoring at 18:49 of the first period. McCabe's first goal would have UPEI leading 2-0 after 40 minutes, and then the floodgates opened for an X-Women burst in the third period.

The game wouldn't be solved in regulation or overtime, forcing a shootout. In a deja vu moment echoing UPEI's previous home-ice shootout victory on Jan. 24 against St. Thomas, Orianna MacNeil and goaltender Erin Cabaday clutched again with the game-winning goal and save, respectively.

Five Panthers were recognized and celebrated before the game as part of the annual Senior Night – Kierra St. Peter, Chiara Esposito, Ashley McCutcheon, Kaiya Maracle, and Sarah Forsythe.

St. Peter did not expect what was to come when she stepped out onto the ice for pre-game ceremonies.

"That was such a surreal moment, and I'm just so honoured to be part of this program," St. Peter said. "It's the girls in the room, our fan base, and everyone who's behind us supporting us. It's just amazing. We love each other, and that's what's special about this team. We're built on that foundation, and we're ready to push for playoffs."

The team officially clinched a playoff spot last Saturday after a 4-3 shootout win over Saint Mary's, but continues to chase the possibility of hosting the first playoff game, with two points separating them and Saint Mary's heading into their regular-season finale.

UPEI will conclude the regular season with a trip to Mount Allison on Saturday at 7 p.m. While the Mounties have won just one game all season, the Panthers won't take them for granted, considering some past close calls.

"You look at their standings, and you can't really look at that too much," McCabe said. "They took a game off Dalhousie. That team is always in hockey games, and they seem to just not come out on top. We're going to play the exact same way and try to get the job done to clinch home ice."

Photos by Janessa Vanden Broek