CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Nathan Chow has come across the country to play soccer.
The 18-year-old Campbell River, B.C., native has been practising with the UPEI Panthers since training camp began earlier this month. He plays his first home game Friday as part of the Mulligan Cup pre-season tournament.
“I am very excited to join the UPEI Panthers team in the upcoming season and am looking forward to the start of a very successful year,” said Chow.
He is listed as a striker, winger and attacking midfielder, showcasing his versatility.
“Nathan is a creative attacking player that will create chances for others and score goals himself,” said head coach Lewis Page. “We are excited to have him join the panther family.”
Chow has played for and been captain of the Upper Island Riptide in the Vancouver Island Premier League for the last five years. Under Chow's leadership, the team won the league three of the last five years and qualified this summer to play in the provincial championship.
Chow was selected to represent and captain the Vancouver Island team at the 2016 B.C. Summer Games. He also won a provincial title as a member of the Vancouver Island Wave out of Victoria. As a member of the Carihi secondary senior boys’ team, he qualified for the high school provincials three consecutive years.
The Panthers play Moncton Friday at 3 p.m. while the women play at 5:15 p.m. UPEI begins the Atlantic University Sport season Friday, Sept. 6, at St. FX in Antigonish, N.S.
The Mulligan Cup provides an opportunity for UPEI’s coaches to make final roster decisions heading into the upcoming Atlantic University Sport (AUS) season.
“We always learn so much from these final pre-season games,” said Page. “They are fantastic preparation for the first league games.”
The eighth annual tournament honours Vince Mulligan, the varsity UPEI soccer and hockey coach throughout the 1980s and ’90s.
“(It’s a) great opportunity to play in front of the hometown fans in what looks to be weather-wise a beautiful weekend,” said Glen Miller, first-year coach of the UPEI women’s squad. “The whole team has been putting in a committed work ethic, and I believe we are all stoked to continue the journey.”
UPEI Soccer
The schedule for the Mulligan Cup soccer tournament at UPEI. Tickets are $5 per day for adults, free for children and students in K-12.
Friday
Men’s soccer
3 p.m. – UPEI vs. Moncton.
Women’s soccer
5:15 p.m. – UPEI vs. Moncton.
Saturday
Women’s soccer
4 p.m. – UPEI vs. Mount Allison.
Men’s soccer
6:15 pm – UPEI vs. Mount Allison.
Sunday
Men’s soccer
2:30 p.m. – UPEI vs. Holland College.
