Henderson’s overtime heroics lift Panthers past Aigles Bleues

By Thomas Becker

Brooke Henderson is on a heater and showing no signs of slowing down.

Fresh off a two-goal night against Mount Allison, the third-year forward delivered again Wednesday, scoring the overtime winner just 1:45 into the extra frame to lift the UPEI Panthers to a gritty 2-1 victory over the Université de Moncton Aigles Bleues at MacLauchlan Arena. 

After stealing the puck in her own zone, Henderson exploded up the ice on a breakaway and roofed a shot into the top-right corner past goaltender Annick Boudreau, sending her teammates spilling over the boards in celebration. 

"It felt pretty good," Henderson said with a grin. "Honestly, the whole thing was a bit of a blur just lots of green coming at me."

Henderson calls game!#GoPanthersGo | #Hockey pic.twitter.com/GFzwcI8oyJ

— UPEI Women's Hockey (@UPEIWHockey) October 16, 2025

It was a fitting finish to a defensive battle that saw both teams grind through 40 minutes without a goal. Scoring chances were scarce as both sides clamped down in their own zones and relied on stellar goaltending from UPEI's Erin Cabaday and Moncton's Boudreau.

The Panthers (3-2) finally broke the deadlock at 5:29 of the third period on the power play. A shot from the point found its way through traffic and was deflected in front by veteran forward Ashley McCutcheon for her first of the season. 

Moncton (2-1-1) pushed back late. Off a faceoff win in the Panthers' zone, Laura Tremblay carried the puck to the goal line and centered a pass to Maritza Labrie, whose quick release through traffic evened the score at 14:20. 

The Aigles Bleues nearly stole it in the dying minutes, but Cabaday made two huge stops from close range to keep it tied and send the game to overtime—setting the stage for Henderson's game-winner.

"There were a lot of ups and downs," Henderson said. "I think we came out a little flat but started to get our legs going in the second. That first goal gave us the momentum we needed."

With the win, the Panthers continue to climb early in the AUS standings.

"Sean tells us we're basically playing these games like playoff games," Henderson added. "It's such a short season and every point matters, so getting these wins early is crucial."

The Panthers will look to make it two straight over Moncton when they meet again Saturday night on the road.

Photos by Janessa Vanden Broek