UPEI Men’s Hockey adds WHL forward Carter Rigby to roster

The UPEI Men's Hockey Panthers are pleased to announce that winger Carter Rigby will join the team for the upcoming season.

At 6'0, 225 lbs, Rigby combines size, speed, and determination with a nose for the net. In four WHL seasons, Rigby scored 70 goals and added 62 assists while playing with the Kelowna Rockets and Swift Current Broncos. After finishing his junior career in March, Rigby played four games in the East Coast Hockey League with the Stockton Thunder, adding three assists. His strong season landed Rigby with an invitation to attend 2015 NHL summer camp with the Minnesota Wild.

"When I come to the rink, I bring a lot of energy to the game," said Rigby, a native of Penticton, BC. "I feel UPEI fans will see a solid, tough player who loves to play the body and put the puck in the net." 

UPEI Head Coach Forbes MacPherson says he has been working for a number of months recruiting Rigby. Having him commit to the Panthers is welcome news for the future of the Men's Hockey program.

"Carter is the kind of impact player we have been keying in on for the past couple of years. He competes at a very high level every night, he loves to play in the tough areas in both ends of the rink and he has the ability to finish scoring plays because of his great shot," said MacPherson. "I expect Carter will be a great compliment to our program and I can't wait to see him wearing the green and white."

Early in the recruiting process, Rigby said it became obvious that UPEI was going to be his destination.

"I found my conversations with Forbie honest and down to earth," explained Rigby, who will enroll in the Business Administration program. "Everything I've learned about PEI, the University, and the hockey program made me realize this was the best fit for the next stage in my career."

Director of UPEI Athletics and Recreation Chris Huggan praised the addition of Rigby to the UPEI family.

"I would like to welcome Carter to the University of Prince Edward Island. I know he will be a great addition to our men's hockey program and to our campus community," said Huggan.