Goalie Connor Wilkinson joins Men’s Hockey Panthers
UPEI Men's Hockey Head Coach Forbes MacPherson is pleased to announce the addition of goaltender Connor Wilkinson for the 2014-15 season.
Wilkinson, 6'2 and 185lbs from Ajax, Ontario, starred for past two seasons with the Dieppe Commandos of the Maritime Hockey League. His outstanding play helped earn the Commandos a berth in the Kent Cup final, losing in six games to the Truro Bearcats. Wilkinson finished the playoffs with a .911 save percentage and 2.82 goals against average. He was named regular season and playoff MVP for Dieppe.
'Connor is big goalie who plays a very steady, relaxed style in the net and it seems like the bigger the game, the better he plays,' said MacPherson. 'In the MHL playoffs, he literally stole game after game for Dieppe and just about carried them to a league title. Connor has matured into a very strong, confident goalie and we are super excited to have him join our program.'
Wilkinson is looking forward to getting enrolled in UPEI this fall and feels very good about his decision to join the Panthers. 'The decision to come to UPEI was easy for me. It's a great school. The team plays in front of sellout crowds and they play a very responsible defensive style which is ideal for goalies,' said Wilkinson, who says he models his style of play after Mike Smith of the Phoenix Coyotes. 'I don't try to be one of those goalies who makes the highlight reel save. I am at my best when I keep square with the shooter, stay big in the net, and right on my angles.'
With the graduation of Panther Wayne Savage to the pro ranks, Wilkinson will join fourth-year player Mavric Parks to make up the team's goaltending tandem. Wilkinson said his plan is to come to camp ready to play and to do everything he can to be part of a winning team. He added, 'If you look at the recent history of UPEI, they have had the best goaltending in the AUS. I want to continue that competitive culture. I want to work with (goalie coach) Jamie Blanchard and Mavric to make sure whoever is playing in nets, our team has a chance to win every night.'
Director of Athletics and Recreation Bill Schurman welcomed the addition of Wilkinson to the Panther fold. 'I am very proud that Connor has chosen to be part of the student-athlete family at the University of Prince Edward Island,' said Schurman. 'I am very familiar with the Dieppe Commandos and the type of character individuals that develop in their system. Connor Wilkinson is a tremendous goaltender and an even better person. He will be great addition to our campus.'
In the coming weeks, the UPEI Panthers will release the names of additional recruits, an impressive exhibition schedule, and more details on the October 11th home opener at the Eastlink Centre. For more information, or to purchase season tickets, visit Panther Central (the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre), phone 566-0368, e-mail panthercentral@upei.ca, or visit www.gopanthersgo.ca.
For information:
Ron Annear
UPEI Athletics and Recreation
(902) 566-0991
annear@upei.ca
