CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. – The UPEI Panthers have added size and scoring ability with the recent addition of forward Delaney Boehm.
The five-foot-eight East St. Paul, Man., native scored 19 goals and set up five more for 24 points in 26 games while playing for the Balmoral Hall School in Winnipeg. The Blazers play in the Junior Women’s Hockey League, which includes the Boston Shamrocks and the Chicago Young Americans.
“I watched Delaney at a tourney in Stoney Creek in early September and felt strongly she would be a great addition to our team,” said Panthers head coach Bruce Donaldson. “We are looking to add size and offensive talent to our roster and Delaney offers both.”
The Manitoba native visited a number of universities with UPEI being the final stop on her tour. She said UPEI is a great fit as she pursues a science degree majoring in biology while competing in the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) women’s hockey conference.
“I chose P.E.I. because it had the big-town campus feeling provided in the small-town atmosphere. It felt like home,” said Boehm. “The hockey program and academic programs both are fantastic. Having come from a small high school, the class sizes are nice and not too overwhelming.”
Boehm joins the incoming class that includes Island forwards Kelly Clements and Taylor Gillis and Island goalie Parker McCabe. Donaldson said he is in talks with more players and further announcements are expected.
UPEI loses captain Emma Martin, who completed her five years of eligibility this season, while seniors Madison Clarke, Megan Sullivan and Lindsay Johnston will not be back for their final year.
The Panthers will host the U Sports nationals the next two seasons and is looking to improve. Donaldson said Boehm will help, but acknowledged there will be an adjustment period.
“It's a very strong league which enables players that are having success to transition to the U Sports level,” said Donaldson.
“I often say this is the biggest jump in female hockey – going from minor to varsity,” he added. “She’s had success and she has the size and definitely has the skill to finish, but it will take a little bit of an adjustment.”
