By Courtney Powers-Luketić

In their first meeting ever, the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) Bold beat the Prince Edward Island University (UPEI) Panthers 5-2 on Sept. 26 at the Mattamy Athletic Centre (MAC). 

The game marked the Bold’s fourth pre-season win and their second-to-last game ahead of the regular season. 

The first period opened with unexpected hostility. As soon as the puck dropped, TMU began laying big hits and applying pressure.

“We knew it would be a little chippy and might get contentious—more than I anticipated, but one thing I’ve learned in U Sports is to expect the unexpected,” said TMU head coach Johnny Duco. 

UPEI held their own and managed to get on the board first. After an unsuccessful attempt to freeze by fourth-year Bold goaltender Kai Edmonds, second-year Panther forward Robert Orr found the puck and tucked it past Edmonds’ right pad. 

Despite never having previously met, tensions spilled over between TMU and UPEI at the end of the first period. Multiple fights broke out and four penalties were issued between the two teams.

The second period opened four-on-four with TMU on the hunt for an equalizer. 

Five minutes into the second period, the Bold’s opportunity would be handed to them. Two Panthers took a hooking and slashing call respectively, sending the Bold to a five-on-three powerplay.  

Fourth-year Bold forward Ian Martin seized the moment and scored to tie the game. 

Shortly after the goal, TMU would be tested after taking two penalties themselves. But after a turnover in the Panthers’ zone, first-year Bold forward Gavin Grundner broke away and buried the puck for a remarkable five-on-three shorthanded goal. 

The second period dragged on with a slew of penalties, whistles and scrums, but the clock ran down, and the Bold had the lead. 

TMU opened the third period with another prime scoring chance with their second two-man advantage of the game. 

The Panthers were able to run the clock out on one of their penalties, but with 30 seconds left on the remaining penalty, Martin found space in front of the net and scored to put the Bold up 3-1. 

With four minutes remaining, the Panthers made one final push after third-year forward Ben McFarlane scored top shelf to bring UPEI within one. 

Fourth-year Bold forward Will Portokalis instantly shut down their hopes with a tip-in to restore TMU’s two-goal lead.

First-year Bold forward Carter MacAdams scored on an empty net to finalize the win.

“As a team, you have got to find a way to win those games. It’s just the nature of the beast of this league,” said Duco. 

UP NEXT: The Panthers will have an opportunity to avenge themselves in tomorrow’s rematch against the Bold. Puck drop is set for 2 p.m. at the MAC.