Payne, McCue each score twice as Panthers defeat Moncton 7-5

Cody Payne made an immediate impact for the UPEI Panthers in his first Atlantic University Sport regular season game.

The six-foot-three, 210-pound power forward from Florida had two goals and an assist to lead the Panthers to a 7-5 victory over the Aigles Bleus Wednesday in Moncton. He skated on a line with captain Brent Andrews, who had a pair of assists, and Marcus Power, who had a goal and an assist.

Rookie Beau McCue scored twice, including a shorthanded empty net goal. Sam Aulie also had a third period shorthanded goal while J.C. Campagna scored in the second.

Austin Levi, Casey Babineau, Campagna, Kurt Etchegary and Chad Labelle each chipped in with an assist.

Moncton's top line of Jean-Francois Plante, Alex and Allain Saulnier accounted for four of its goals. Plante and Alex each had two goals and two assists while Allain had five helpers. Victor Beaulac had a goal and an assist.

Matt Mahalak made 33 saves for the win while Brandon Thibeau stopped 27 shots in the loss.

UPEI held period leads of 3-1 and 5-3.

The Panthers host the UNB Varsity Reds Saturday at 7 p.m. in their home opener.

Special box office hours have been announced ahead of the Men's Hockey home opener, they include; 

Thursday, October 6
1:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Chi Wan Young Sports Centre Front Desk