Former Western Capital Brodie MacArthur describes the opportunity to play for UPEI Panthers as 'pretty special'

SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — Brodie MacArthur has wanted to wear a UPEI Panthers’ uniform for a long time.

The Summerside native will now get that opportunity after UPEI announced his commitment to the program on Tuesday.

“I’m very excited,” said MacArthur. “For the last seven or eight years, I’ve always had a goal to get an education and play hockey at UPEI. For it to come true, it’s pretty special.”

The 21-year-old son of Rodney and Kim MacArthur joins the Panthers following a history-setting career with the Summerside Western Capitals’ junior A program. After becoming the Caps’ franchise leading scorer in December 2019, MacArthur became the Maritime Junior Hockey League’s (MHL) all-time points leader in February.

A product of the Kyle Dunn-coached Kensington Wild major midget program, MacArthur registered 132 goals and 225 assists for 357 points in 196 regular-season games with the Caps. He was named the MHL’s player of the year for the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons and was a finalist for Canadian Junior Hockey League player of the year in 2020.

“When you get somebody of Brodie’s calibre and talent, you are obviously excited to add him,” said Panthers head coach Forbie MacPherson.

MacArthur, a third-year business student at UPEI, said a number of factors came into play when deciding where he would continue his career.

“I heard really good things about the (UPEI) coaching staff, the players, the whole organization, and it’s closer to home for my family and friends,” said MacArthur.

One individual who has had a front-row seat to MacArthur’s development and dominance over the last four years is Caps head coach Billy McGuigan.

“UPEI is getting a pretty dynamic hockey player that can do things that a lot of players can’t. He has incredible vision, skills beyond his age for sure and you will not find a better person or man than Brodie MacArthur.”

- Billy McGuigan

“UPEI is getting a pretty dynamic hockey player that can do things that a lot of players can’t,” said McGuigan. “He has incredible vision, skills beyond his age for sure and you will not find a better person or man than Brodie MacArthur.”

When MacArthur will debut with the Panthers is still unknown. Atlantic University Sport has cancelled all fall sports, and the earliest winter sports can start is the first of January.

“There won’t be as much time to prove yourself, but you have to make the most of every opportunity,” he said.

Familiar faces

MacArthur will see some familiar faces with the Panthers, including his linemate from the second half of last season, Summerside native Carson MacKinnon, and his former linemate with the Caps two years ago, TJ Shea of Anglo/Tignish. Shea will be entering his second season with the Panthers.

MacPherson is excited to add Islanders to the UPEI program that he says has always had a healthy number of high-end quality players from this province.

Although it is too early to speculate on lines, MacPherson did not rule out having all three former Capitals play together.

“Obviously, Brodie and TJ had a tremendous amount of success at the MHL level and Brodie and Carson have been teammates, linemates and good friends for a large part of their lives.”

Summerside native Brodie MacArthur has committed to play for the UPEI Panthers’ men’s hockey team. MacArthur played the last four seasons with the Summerside Western Capitals of the Maritime Junior Hockey League. - Jason Simmonds

Adjustments

Like any player moving to a higher level, MacArthur understands there will be adjustments.

It’s a completely different league, he said.

“It’s a bunch of men who are all strong, big and fast. It’s going to be a big adjustment, so the biggest thing is to find the pace of the game and pick it up from there.”

MacPherson said there is more than just hockey for rookies to deal with in transitioning to the university level.

For example, major junior or junior A players who live away from home are predominantly at a billet’s house being taken care of, including meals, laundry and grocery shopping, he said.

“All of a sudden at university, first of all, you add academics into the equation and then you add a change in life habits and you add a new brand of hockey, which is fair to say is a big, fast, strong level of hockey. Basically, you go from being the oldest, strongest, fastest players in the league to younger players with some more developing to do.”