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The ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Men's Hockey Panthers are adding size and talent to its lineup for the second half of the season, with the addition of centre-man Mitchell Theoret.

Theoret played the first half of the season in the German Professional League with the EHC Bayreuth, scoring five goals and nine points in 12 games. Last year, Theoret had 17 goals and 51 points with the Barrie Colts of the OHL. In 2012-13, he had 25 goals and exploded in the post-season with 14 goals in 20 playoff games. He was a 7th round draft pick of the New York Islanders in 2011.

The Montreal native said he is keen to get rolling with the Panthers. 'The (ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ) team finished the first half of the season strongly, and is well-positioned to make a run. I can't wait to get into the lineup, and hopefully make a contribution to our season's second-half success.'

Panthers Head Coach Forbes MacPherson said Theoret has been on the radar for well over a year. He originally committed to ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ in the summer, but opted to give pro hockey in Germany a try in the fall.

'We kept in touch throughout the fall, and a few weeks ago we began to put the details together,' said MacPherson. 'Adding Mitch Theoret to the lineup is huge for our team and program. He can score and he has a very high hockey IQ. He competes hard every night and Island hockey fans are going to love him.'

At six-foot-two and 210 lbs., Theoret is strong on the puck in both ends of the rink. While he prides himself on playing a strong and physical two-way game, Theoret recognizes he will be counted on for offense.

'Coming into the second half of the season, I know our team has to focus on generating more offense. That is an area where I feel I can make a positive contribution,' said Theoret, who will be enrolled in ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ's Business Administration program.

Chris Huggan, ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Director of Athletics and Recreation, said he is pleased to welcome Theoret to the University. 'I am excited for the addition of Mitchell Theoret to our Men's Hockey program, as well as to our campus. Like all of our student-athletes, I know he will work toward achieving success in school, on the ice, and in life,' said Huggan.

After 16 games in the first half, the Panthers stand at .500 with a 7-7-2 record. ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ has been strong defensively with goalie Mavric Parks leading the AUS with a 2.07 GAA and .932 save percentage. On offense, the team has scored the second fewest goals in the conference with 41 goals.

The Panthers kick-off the second half of the season with an exhibition game at Credit Union Arena in Tignish vs. STU on January 3. The first home game of the second season is January 14 with UdeM visiting the MacLauchlan Arena.

Go Panthers Go!

For information:
Ron Annear
ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Athletics and Recreation
(902) 566-0991, annear@upei.ca