ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ

Team Canada defeated Kazakhstan 6-2 today in the gold medal match of the Men's Ice Hockey tournament at the Gianmario Scola Arena in Canazei, Italy as part of the 26th Winter Universiade Trentino 2013. Canada also won the Women's tournament yesterday.

The Canadian men's squad, comprised entirely of players from the Atlantic University Sport conference including ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Panthers Matthew Maione, Chris DeSousa, Alex Wall, Wayne Savage, and coach Forbes MacPherson, went 5-1 through the tournament only losing to Kazakhstan last Sunday in round-robin play.

'On behalf of the entire ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ community and Panther fans, I congratulate Matthew, Chris, Wayne, Alex and Coach Forbes MacPherson on a job well done! I am so proud of how our Panthers represented our University, the AUS conference, and the country in Italy,' said ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ President and Vice-Chancellor Abd-El-Aziz. 'We all look forward to celebrating their win with them in the New Year.'

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Panthers defenceman Maione scored the team's third goal at 7:16 in the first period when his long-range shot was deflected to the back of the net.

UNB's Chris Culligan scored two goals while Acadia's Mike Cazzola, Josh Day of St. FX, Nick MacNeil of UNB, and Maione added single markers. MacNeil finished third in tournament scoring with 10 points, including seven goals.

The AUS all-stars also won men's hockey gold in 2007 in Turin, Italy.

Congratulations Team Canada!

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Men's Hockey Head Coach Forbes MacPherson is pleased to announce that Halifax Mooseheads star forwards Darcy Ashley and Brent Andrews have committed to join the Panthers for the 2014-15 season.

'Our ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Men's hockey program is very proud to add top quality individuals and players like Brent and Darcy,' said MacPherson. 'These two guys are winners, they are strong and responsible players in all facets of the game, and they are proud Islanders. This is a great announcement for the future of our program.'

Ashley, a native of Alberton, and Andrews of Hunter River, are completing their final season in the QMJHL with Halifax. The two were key contributors to the Mooseheads' QMJHL Championship and Memorial Cup Championship wins last season.

For Andrews, choosing ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ for the next step in his hockey career was a decision that came down to a desire to help build a championship team in his home province.

'It will be great to be part of something special at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ. Islanders are hard working hockey people and true hockey fans that deserve a championship,' said Andrews, a 6'2,' 205 lb centre and a 7th-round draft choice of NHL's Nashville Predators. 'It will be nice to be able to play at home after five years of being away.'

Ashley said playing with the Panthers is an honour and is hoping to add to his championship résumé.

'After winning (the Memorial Cup), you are always left with a taste for it and the will to keep winning,' said the 5'5,' 175 lb right winger who has scored over 20 goals in each of the past two seasons with the Mooseheads. 'It would be great to win a championship at home and play in front of family and friends on a regular basis. The team has been taking great steps forward and I hope to be a big part of the next steps.'

As for fitting in at the university level, Ashley said he is willing to play whatever role the coaching staff demands of him.

'The AUS is a gritty, fast-paced league. Hard work will take a person a long way and I plan on being ready to produce and help bring the team success,' said Ashley, who was named 2012-13 'Hardest Working Player' in the QMJHL.

Both forwards are in the midst of career-best seasons in the QMJHL. Andrews has 16 goals and 37 points, while Ashley has contributed 14 goals and 41 points. Though they will remain focused on the remainder of their junior season, the pair will be keeping a close eye on the Panthers.

'The Panthers have a lot of talent and character and are an exciting team to watch. Darcy and I often talk about it, and we are excited to be part of it all next season,' said Andrews.

'We are pleased that Darcy and Brent have both committed to ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ and to Panther Hockey. Having followed both of their careers, there is no doubt that the addition of these two quality individuals will have a significant impact not just in the arena but on the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ campus as well,' said ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Athletics and Recreation Director Bill Schurman. 'This opportunity to add quality individuals with character, talent, and experience, combined with deep Island roots will contribute to a bright future.'

Special holiday offerings are now available from ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Athletics and Recreation for a ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Men's Hockey season pass for the remaining regular season games for only $99. Purchasers get to pick their seat and have first option on playoff seating. For more information, visit Panther Central or call 566-0368.

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

The ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ and the College of Comparative Study at Japan's University of Tsukuba signed an agreement earlier this year that provides students with worthwhile international exchange opportunities.

Rose Leger, fourth-year arts student at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ, was selected for the exchange program and will spend a semester in Japan, before returning home in February. Leger was also the lone student selected by the University of Tsukuba to receive the Takase Scholarship for visiting students, which will help support her stay in Japan. She will be focusing on gender and cultural studies and she is thrilled to have the opportunity to be exposed to Japan's culture.

'I do not know if my slight understanding of Japanese culture is Hollywood based from movies and TV shows, so I am looking forward to experiencing the culture firsthand,' said Leger before departing for Japan.

Japanese students Aya Jonen and Koudai Kai arrived in PEI for the Fall semester and immediately noticed the friendliness of both ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ and PEI. For fourth-year student Jonen, her love for Anne of Green Gables brought her to PEI, as she is currently working on an honours thesis on Lucy Maud Montgomery's fictional character. Kai, a third-year student who studied religion, politics, history, and women's studies while on PEI appreciated ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ's course structure as it fit in nicely with his schedule, and provided him with the opportunity to get involved in campus-life activities.

'This is the beginning of a longstanding relationship, with plenty of opportunities for students from Canada and Japan, now and in the future,' said ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ International Partnerships Coordinator Sherilyn Acorn-LeClair.

The ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ and University of Tsukuba agreement has been in effect since the Fall semester, and will remain in effect for an initial five-year period. Interested students are asked to contact Sherilyn at (902) 894-2837 or sdacorn@upei.ca.

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ congratulates Panther curling skips Veronica Smith and Kyle Holland who claimed the PEPSI Provincial Junior (Under 21) Curling Championships with their respective teams on Monday, December 23, 2013. Smith defended her title while Holland beat the defending champion Tyler Smith and his Montague Curling Club team. These wins certainly boost the teams' confidence as they get set to take part in the 2014 Atlantic University Curling Championship (AUCC), January 3-5, 2014 at the Capital Winter Club in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

The tournament, hosted by the University of New Brunswick, will see six women's teams and five men's teams compete for the right to represent Atlantic Canada at the national CIS/CCA University Curling Championship.

The ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ women's curling team consisting of skip Veronica Smith, third Jane DiCarlo, second Emily Gray, and lead Aleya Quilty, will take on Saint Mary's University in their first game of the competition at 7:00 pm on Friday, January 3, 2014. The winner will then compete against St. Francis Xavier University on Saturday, January 4 at 9:00 am. The women's team is coached by Paul Smith.

On the men's side, skip Kyle Holland, third Connor MacPhee, second Andrew Cameron, and lead Taylor McInnis will meet Memorial University in their first match on January 3 at 7:00 pm. The winner will advance to the semifinal match on January 4 at 7:00 pm.

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ wishes both teams the best of luck as they compete for one of two spots to represent Atlantic Canada at the CIS/CCA University Curling Championship, March 19-23 in Regina, Saskatchewan.

Go Panthers Go!

For information:

Ron Annear

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Athletics & Recreation

(902) 566-0991, annear@upei.ca

The ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Wind Symphony performed its final recital of the Fall semester at the end of November at the St. Dunstan's Basilica in downtown Charlottetown. The change in venue ensured all Wind Symphony patrons were able to attend and can take advantage of the architectural and aesthetic beauty that St. Dunstan's offers.

Under the direction of Dr. Karem Simon, the Wind Symphony performed several symphonic masterworks of the wind band genre-one of the most ambitious Fall programs in its history. Among the featured works was 'Endurance' by the American composer Timothy Mahr. According to the composer, the work is a musical reflection upon the infinite endurance of the human spirit, the religious spirit, and the spirit of the earth. Initial inspiration for the piece came from a book of the same title by Alfred Lansing documenting the amazing story of the ill-fated expedition of the Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton in 1914-1916. His ship, the Endurance, became ice-bound and eventually sank, stranding Shackleton and his crew of 27. They experienced over 15 months of life exposed to the unrelenting, dangerous Antarctic weather, and, miraculously survived to tell it. The strength of character exhibited by these men in enduring incredible hardships is truly awe-inspiring.

Click for a video of the performance that drew crowds - young and old - as part of the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Wind Symphony's community outreach and engagement.

Over 400 guests were welcomed by a large group of international students and treated to some food from different countries at the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ's New Year's Day levee, reflecting ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ's growing multicultural campus.

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Alumni Association President Bruce Davison, ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, and ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Board of Governors Chair Tom Cullen hosted the annual New Year's Day event in Don and Marion McDougall Hall's Schurman Market Square.

At the next Research on Tap, join us for a discussion about gender, sex, and equality. Dr. Ann Braithwaite, associate professor and coordinator of Women's Studies, will lead a discussion titled 'What is equality anyways?'

The event discussion begins at 7:00 pm, Tuesday, January 7 at The Pourhouse, above The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse in Charlottetown.

Sound interesting? Join us.

Research on Tap is a series of public discussions with ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ researchers. For more information, contact Dave Atkinson at 620-5117, or datkinson@upei.ca

For information:
Dave Atkinson
Research Communications
Officer, ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ
(902) 620-5117, datkinson@upei.ca

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Athletics and Recreation announced the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Panther Athletes of the Week for the week of December 30-January 5. ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Athletics and Recreation showcases these talented athletes to recognize their hard work and dedication to their respective sports throughout the season. ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Athletes of the Week are also nominated to Atlantic University Sport and Canadian Interuniversity Sport for possible recognition in the region and/or country.

Who: Women's Curling Team; and Brian Ofori, Men's Basketball

What: ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Panther Athletes of the Week

When: Week of December 30-January 5

Why: The ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ women's curling team won the 'B' pool final at the Atlantic University Curling Championships hosted by UNB on January 3-5. The Veronica Smith skipped team earned the right to represent the Atlantic region at the CIS University Curling Championship in Regina, Saskatchewan on March 19-23. In the championship game, ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ took two in the 9th and then stole one in the 10th for the win. The team finished with a 3-1 record. Team members include business student and skip Veronica Smith of Breadalbane; science student and third Jane DiCarlo of Charlottetown; science student and second Emily Gray of O'Leary, and science student and lead Aleya Quilty of Charlottetown. All members are enrolled in their second year of study at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ.

Brian Ofori, a second-year arts student from Montreal, Quebec, was selected as an All-Star at the Rod Shoveller Memorial Basketball Tournament. The Panthers placed second with two wins and one loss, where Ofori averaged 11 points and six rebounds over the three games, and was a very physical and defensive presence. Ofori was previously selected as a ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Athlete of the Week for the week of October 7-13.

The Women's Curling Team and Ofori will be recognized at this week's ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Athletes of the Week Celebration on Thursday, January 9 at 12:45 pm in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre's McMillan Hall. All are welcome.

Panther Action this weekend:
Friday, January 10
6:00 pm (W) Basketball vs. CBU
7:00 pm (M) Hockey @ UNB
8:00 pm (M) Basketball vs. CBU

Saturday, January 11
6:00 pm (W) Basketball @ SMU
7:00 pm (M) Hockey @ STU
8:00 pm (M) Basketball vs. SMU

Sunday, January 12
4:00 pm (W) Hockey @ MtA

Watch Panther games live at

Go Panthers Go!

Veronica Smith, ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ women's curling skip

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ's Winter's Tales Authors' Reading Series kicks off the 2014 season with a public reading on February 6 at 7:30 pm in the Confederation Centre Public Library by ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ writer-in-residence Don Gayton. An ecologist and award-winning nature and science writer, Gayton will be at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ from February 3-8, with his residence hosted by the Department of English and the Environmental Studies Program.

Canadian radio broadcaster Stuart McLean describes Gayton as 'having the eye of a scientist and the soul of a poet.'

Gayton will also deliver two public writing workshops on Saturday, February 8, in the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Faculty Lounge, Main Building. The workshops are entitled 'Nature Writing: where do we go from here?' and 'Ecology As Literature: how ecology provides new material for writers of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.'

For further information about his workshops and reading, and to register for workshops, contact the English Department at 566-0389 or tjohnston@upei.ca.

For information:
Dr. Richard Lemm
Professor, Department of English
ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ
(902) 566-0592
rlemm@upei.ca

The PEI Urban Red Fox Research Project needs Islanders to keep reporting their sightings of red foxes to upei.ca/redfox. Each reported sighting helps us better understand our red fox population, and how it interacts with humans on Prince Edward Island.

Since the launch of upei.ca/redfox in the fall of 2012, Islanders have reported more than 1600 sightings of red foxes. With this valuable data, the research team has discovered areas of high red fox activity in urban areas and has identified possible den sites for further research. More data would allow the PEI Urban Fox Research Team to discover even more about this species, including possible public health concerns.

It takes just a few minutes. If you spot a red fox on Prince Edward Island, visit upei.ca/redfox. Fill out the simple form, and you've made an important contribution to ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ research.

To report a sighting by mail, request a form by calling 566-0602.

For Information:
Dave Atkinson, Research Communications
(902) 620-5117, datkinson@upei.ca