The Panthers will host the Moncton Blue Eagles in an exhibition game that will begin at 7 p.m.
“We definitely have a western flavour to our team,” said Panthers head coach Forbie MacPherson.
Four of the eight Islanders on the Panthers’ roster are from Prince County. They are former Summerside Western Capitals Jordan Knox of Skinners Pond, Mike MacIsaac of O’Leary, Devan Praught of Summerside and Harrison McIver of Newton.
“To be honest, Jordan Knox and Mikey MacIsaac are two of our better players,” said MacPherson. “Devan Praught has come in (from St. Thomas University) and added an element that we like.
“Harrison McIver is a rookie centre, but he plays some important minutes on the penalty kill.”
Top plus-minus rating
Knox, who has a team-high plus-9 rating, is second in team scoring with 21 points – eight goals and 13 assists – in 14 games and has eight penalty minutes. He is one point behind Mississauga, Ont., native Matt Carter, who has 10 goals and 12 helpers.
MacIsaac checks in with 12 points, including four goals, in 14 games, a team-leading 54 penalty minutes and a minus-5 rating.
In 14 games, Praught has nine points, including five goals, 20 minutes in penalties and is a plus-3.
“We definitely have a western flavour to our team.” - Panthers head coach Forbie MacPherson
McIver has a goal and four helpers for five points in 13 games. He is a plus-1, and has six penalty minutes.
Another Panther Prince County fans will be familiar with is Newfoundlander Chad Locke, who played with the Capitals during the second half of the 2008-09 season. He has nine points, including eight assists, in 14 games along with 12 penalty minutes and a plus-1 rating.
Other Islanders on the Panthers are defencemen Ryan Taylor and Matt Boyle of Charlottetown, and forwards Nathan McQuaid of Charlottetown and Travis MacIsaac. Of Uigg.
Player to watch
Another Panther for fans to keep an eye on is Carter, notes MacPherson.
“Matt Carter would be in the debate of the top player in the league,” continued the head coach. “He (Carter) has drawn a lot of interest from NHL teams, and he went to the Dallas Stars’ training camp this year.
“He won the scoring race in the league last year, and he’s up in the top two or three this year. As far as gifted offensive players, he’s as good as they come in this league.”
jpsports@journalpioneer.com
