Vitarelli to play fifth year for hockey Panthers
UPEI men's hockey forward Cory Vitarelli will be returning for a fifth season says head coach Forbie MacPherson.
'As a coaching staff, we are very excited that Cory Vitarelli has decided to return for his fifth year of eligibility,' MacPherson said. 'We believe that having Cory back, somewhat unexpected, would be the equivalent to securing a blue-chip recruit.'
The Peterborough, Ontario native came to UPEI in 2006 from the Toronto St. Michaels Majors of the Ontario Hockey League. In his four seasons with the Panthers, Vitarelli has 48 goals and 35 assists in 87 games. Last season in 19 games, he had 13 goals and six assists - including a four-goal game against Dalhousie. Three of his goals were game winners for the 15-11-2 Panthers.
'I am excited to be playing one more year at UPEI and I am expecting big things this year,' Vitarelli said. 'We went on a bit of a winning streak late last season (seven games) and realized our potential. It feels like we have some unfinished business and there is an opportunity to win a championship under Forbie,' he said.
Vitarelli is an accomplished lacrosse player and is currently in the Major Series Lacrosse play-offs with his hometown Peterborough Lakers.
'Cory can be one of the most dangerous offensive players in this league. He has a natural ability to put the puck in the net. The fact that he has decided to play out his remaining year of eligibility, makes a tremendous statement to his commitment to this program,' MacPherson said.
UPEI's home opener this season is October 15 when they host UNB.
UPEI licenses new technology to PEI bioscience company
The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) today signed a licensing agreement with PEI bioscience company Nautilus Biosciences Canada Inc. for UPEI-developed technology to extract anti-inflammatory agents from sea coral. The deal has the potential to create millions of dollars in benefits to the University, and Nautilus Biosciences Inc.
'This is a truly exciting day for us at UPEI,' says Dr. Katherine Schultz, UPEI's Vice-President of Research and Development. 'This agreement allows UPEI and Nautilus to share in revenue generated by this ground-breaking technology. It is an exciting partnership for us, and one I am sure will benefit Nautilus, the University, and the Island's future prosperity.'
Today's agreement is UPEI's first-ever licensing agreement with an outside body. It licenses patented technology created in the lab of Dr. Russell Kerr, Professor of Chemistry at UPEI, and Canada Research Chair in Marine Natural Products to Nautilus Biosciences Canada Inc. - a company of which Dr. Kerr is CEO.
'For many years, certain species of sea coral and sponges were known to contain compounds with anti-inflammatory properties,' says Dr. Kerr. 'We were able to determine that the compounds actually exist in the bacterium growing on the corals. This discovery allows us to ferment the bacterium in a lab, and produce the anti-inflammatory compounds in larger quantities without having to go back to the sea to harvest more material.'
The compounds, known as pseudopterosins, have immediate applications in skin creams and other cosmetics, but have potential to be useful in prescription and over-the-counter medications. Nautilus Biosciences will use Dr. Kerr's technology to increase production to a commercially viable level.
Today's agreement was facilitated and negotiated by Three Oaks Innovations, Inc. - the independent spin-off company of the university with the mandate of assisting university-created technologies and innovations make their way into real-world business applications.
'Three Oaks has worked hard to make this deal happen. We are excited to have been a part of initiating the process and coordinating the follow-through that led to this deal,' says Sophie Theriault, Director of Technology Transfer and Commercialization Coordination at Three Oaks Innovations. 'This is technology that will have a real impact on the economy of Prince Edward Island. UPEI, through commercialization partnerships such as this one, is a key player in the province's economic development and sustainability. The potential of this agreement is really limitless.'
Dr. Kerr's lab employs 26 people, and Nautilus employs another six.
Kelowna Rockets goaltender Mark Guggenberger joins hockey Panthers
The goaltender who led the Kelowna Rockets to a Western Hockey League (WHL) title and the championship game of the 2009 Memorial Cup will be playing for the UPEI men's hockey team this fall.
Forbes (Forbie) MacPherson, head coach for the hockey Panthers said, 'Mark Guggenberger comes to our program with a wealth of experience and a proven track record, which includes a WHL championship on his resume.'
Guggenberger played three seasons in the Western Hockey League beginning with the Swift Current Broncos in 2007-08. He was traded to Kelowna in early 2009 and led the Rockets to the WHL title and into the championship game of the 2009 Memorial Cup tournament only to lose 4-1 to the Taylor Hall-led Windsor Spitfires.
'Forbie called me and I hadn't been thinking about playing university hockey,' the 6'3', 208-lb goaltender said. 'But the more I thought about it, I saw it as a good option for now and down the road. I don't know a lot about the CIS other than having a few friends playing at schools like Manitoba and U of A,' he added.
Earlier this summer, UPEI goaltender Wayne Savage left UPEI to pursue a professional career. That void is now filled according to MacPherson. 'Quality goaltending is the backbone of any successful program. We believe that by having Mark, along with Jhase Sniderman, our goaltending is in very capable hands.'
Guggenberger, who is from Richfield, Minnesota, was injured for a large part of last season. 'I sat out the first half with a sports hernia and didn't skate for seven months. It was hard to restart things halfway through the season but we finished on a high and made it to the second round of the play-offs with a young team. I really look forward to going to UPEI and hopefully win a national championship,' Guggenberger said.
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Contact:
Forbes (Forbie) MacPherson
Head Coach, Men's Hockey
University of Prince Edward Island
T (902) 388-0169
New University Preparation Certificate for adult learners to be delivered in O’Leary and Charlottetown
The University of Prince Edward Island is launching a new University Preparation Certificate for Adult Learners this October. The program is designed to help adult learners explore their interest in university studies and provide them with skills and strategies for a successful transition to post-secondary learning.
'The Centre for Life-Long Learning is pleased to be partnering with the Webster Centre for Teaching and Learning on offering this new program. There is overwhelming evidence that, within industrialized countries, there is a growing demand for workers with higher skills and education to fill job needs. We feel it is important to offer this program at the local community level to eliminate travel time as a barrier to participants,' says Jeanette MacAulay, director of the Centre for Life-Long Learning.
Targeting adults who have been out of school for some time or graduates of upgrading programs, the program will offer critical-thinking and writing skills, test-taking strategies, goal-setting, and research skills, among others.
'At the Webster Centre, we recognize that everyone learns differently and those who may not have been ready to enter university out of high school may be ready to, after some experience in the workforce. We want to help those who may have an interest in entering university by making it the most positive experience possible,' says Dr. Barbara Campbell, director of the Webster Centre.
Learners will meet over six consecutive Saturday mornings from 10:00am - 12:00pm. The program will begin on October 2, 2010 in O'Leary, and on January 22, 2011 in Charlottetown. The cost for the full program is $50 and registration is limited to 20 participants per location.
'We are excited that this new program is coming to West Prince. It is providing an opportunity for West Prince residents to receive training close to home, and build their confidence and skill level to be successful in whatever their educational dreams may be,' says Sharon Horne, executive director, Rural Community Learning Inc.
All are welcome to attend an information session on September 1 from 6:00 - 7:00pm at the Future Tech West Centre in O'Leary. An information session for the Charlottetown offering will be held at a later date.
The project is funded, in whole or part, through the Canada-PEI Labour Market Development Agreement and/or the Labour Market Agreement.
For more information contact the Centre for Life-Long Learning at 902-566-0336, email lifelong@upei.ca or click here.
Manley, Emerson among notable public sector leaders attending Palmer Conference at UPEI
The first annual Palmer Conference on Public Sector Leadership began Thursday, August 26 at UPEI with a bevy of leaders in attendance from Canada's public and private sectors including Kevin Lynch, former clerk of the Privy Council, who is this year's conference chair.
John Manley, former deputy prime minister and chief executive officer, Canadian Council of Chief Executives, will deliver the opening keynote address and former federal cabinet minister David Emerson will be the luncheon speaker.
Taking place over August 26-27, this invitational, national conference brings together a diverse group of leaders from across Canada to address issues of high priority to the public sector. The theme for the 2010 Palmer Conference is Public Servants and Their Relationships with Politicians and the Media.
'The Palmer Conference is an historic endeavour, addressing public service leadership at a time of significant renewal,' says UPEI president, Wade MacLauchlan. 'We are proud to have such a distinguished group here on PEI and at UPEI.'
The Conference is intimate in scale, limited to approximately 75 delegates, to promote a high level of participation and interaction, and encourage the development of on-going networks and professional relationships. This event is designed to be a high-calibre public sector leadership development opportunity.
'It is fitting that this national conference, inspired by Jim Palmer, be held here in Charlottetown at UPEI,' adds Kevin Lynch, conference chair. 'The public service has played a vital role in the Canadian system since Confederation, providing impartial policy advice and skilled program administration, and the conference is about how we attract and retain young Canadians to it.'
'The assistance and dedication of a professional, capable public service committed to the public interest is helping to shape our country and position us for success in today's global economy,' says the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. 'Our Government, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), is pleased to support events such as this conference because they provide an excellent opportunity for delegates to exchange information and engage in meaningful dialogue on current issues in the public service.'
'From health care to transportation to public safety, just about every aspect of our lives is enhanced by our dedicated public servants,' said Premier Robert Ghiz. 'That's why events like the Palmer Conference on Public Sector Leadership are so important. They provide an opportunity to discuss issues of great importance to those who will guide our public service into the future.'
The Palmer Conference is named in honour of James S. Palmer, CM, AOE, QC. James Palmer is a founding partner of the Calgary law firm Burnett Duckworth Palmer. The Palmer family has a long record of public service on PEI: Jim Palmer's direct ancestors include two PEI premiers, several judges, and a Father of Confederation. That commitment to public service and public policy is demonstrated through the James S. and Barbara A. Palmer Chair in Public Policy at the University of Calgary and now through the Palmer Conference on Public Sector Leadership.
NSO events on Saturday cancelled due to Earl
Given the tropical storm warnings in place for Charlottetown, new student orientation (NSO) events at UPEI on Saturday, September 4 have been cancelled. Where possible, NSO events that have been affected will be rescheduled throughout the week or later in the month.
NSO traditionally attracts upwards of 600 participants, many who commute to campus. In light of the impending weather, UPEI administration has made this decision due to concerns about students' travel safety and possible power outages while on campus, as well to avoid adding to the already-present anxiety that naturally comes for parents and first year students about starting university.
Residence move-in is also scheduled to begin on Saturday, September 4 from 9:00 am - 9:00pm. Students may choose, because of the storm, to arrive instead on Sunday,September 5 or Monday, September 6 from 9:00 am - 9:00 pm. If arriving after Monday, September 6, students are requested to go directly to Bernardine Hall for check-in information.
For more NSO information, click here.
UPEI Parking 101
Every September when fall semester begins, UPEI sees an influx of new students unsure of where to park on campus as well as returning students looking for places to store their vehicle while attending classes.
This year, students will be welcomed to the UPEI campus by clearly identifiable Security Services staff who will be stationed at the entrances of the various general parking lots and sporting 'parking assistance' t-shirts. Staff will also hand out an information card outlining parking information on Tuesday, September 7 and Wednesday, September 8.
For more information on parking at UPEI, click here.
UPEI Panther Sport season pass and packages now on sale
UPEI Panther Sport launched their 2010-2011 ticket sales campaign today for season passes and packages. Season passes are available for regular season games for Women's Rugby, Soccer, Basketball, Women's Hockey, and Men's Hockey.
Three packages-UPEI Panther Booster, Panther Package and Alumni Package-each feature a combination of home-game ticket sets and other items like Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre memberships and UPEI ‘swag'.
'The early sale of season passes and packages is vital for our ability to operate, and ultimately, to secure Panther Sport success,' said Ron Annear, Director of Athletics at UPEI. 'There is a great selection of options for Panther fans, and all of them feature exciting entertainment at a great value.'
Season home openers start next week with the Women's Rugby team hosting the Saint Mary's Huskies on September 11:
Women's Rugby - September 11
Soccer - September 18 (doubleheader)
Men's Hockey - October 15
Women's Hockey - October 16
Basketball - November 19 (doubleheader)
For more information, visit www.gopanthersgo.ca or call (902) 566-0432.
UPEI and Holland College sign ten diploma-degree agreements
Officials from UPEI and Holland College were on the UPEI campus today to sign a record number of diploma-degree agreements for the two Island post-secondary institutions.
The ten articulation agreements allow students who graduate from Holland College diploma programs to ‘block transfer' credits to enter the second or third year of the Arts degree program at UPEI.
'We are responding to research indicating that an increasing number of college students are interested in pursuing university degrees after completing their college diplomas as they see tremendous value in a university education,' says UPEI president, Wade MacLauchlan. 'And the more flexible options we can offer to potential students, the better it is for both institutions and for the Province of PEI.'
Brian McMillan, president at Holland College agreed, 'The agreements that include the business management programs are ‘remarkable' because of their breadth and cross-disciplinary nature. They allow graduates from these programs to integrate their business studies into the arts and pursue a degree in any arts major. Consequently, graduates will have a well rounded learning experience which will enable them to attain greater success in their personal lives and career paths.'
While the two institutions have 19 similar arrangements in place for other programs, today's signing ceremony is significant as the new agreements all result in an Arts degree. Diploma programs covered include Hotel and Restaurant Management, Tourism and Travel Management, Marketing and Advertising Management, Golf Club Management, Professional Golf Management, Accounting Technology, Business Administration, Retail Business Management, Human Services, and Child and Youth Care Worker.
Richard Kurial, Dean of Arts at UPEI worked closely with Michael O'Grady, VP Innovation, Enterprise and Strategic Development at Holland College in bringing today's event to fruition.
Hon. Allan Campbell, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning added, 'The emerging job opportunities of both rural and urban Prince Edward Island will require both technical skills and high levels of education. The agreements signed today recognize that need and make it easier for your Islanders to gain the benefits of both college and university education. I'm very pleased to see these two schools cooperate for the good of young Islanders and of the whole Island community.'
For more detailed information on diploma-degree programs between UPEI and Holland College, visit www.upei.ca or www.hollandcollege.com.
UPEI kicks off Panther Sport season
Student athletes for the 2010-11 season were welcomed at a unique kick-off event September 7 by UPEI President Wade MacLauchlan; Director of Athletics, Ron Annear; media; and members of the Panther Sport community.
Athletes from the varsity teams-Men's Soccer, Women's Soccer, Field Hockey, Swimming, Women's Rugby, Men's Hockey, Women's Hockey, Men's Basketball and Women's Basketball - gathered at McMillan Hall for a chance to meet one another and get acquainted with coaches and staff of UPEI's Department of Athletics.
Annear said, 'The event is a great gathering opportunity to demonstrate to our student-athletes our support of them, and the great community support we have.'
Coaches, along with team captains, were introduced to those in attendance and gave previews of what the season will hold for their sport.
Men's Soccer
The 2010 season looks exciting for the UPEI Men's Soccer team, with the experience from last year's run to the CIS championship in British Columbia.
Led by the return of AUS all star, Jimmie Mayleh and rising stars, Jarod Murphy and Logan Dawson, the Panthers will be fast, skillful and exciting to watch. Josh Vessey will captain the team and provide important veteran leadership both on and off the field.
Newcomers, Brett Hogan, Andrew Hayers, and Keiran Dutton will also be looking to have a big impact in their first year. Another player looking to make his mark in the AUS will be Adam Lowther who had to sit out last year while recovering from a broken leg.
Field Hockey
With a strong group of returning players and an eager crop of rookies, the UPEI Field Hockey team is looking forward to another successful season. During a pre-season tournament in Montreal, the rookies showed that they are ready to contribute. Kristy Wu from Calgary, Alberta and Nicole Babineau from Riverview, New Brunswick have joined the squad as well as Islanders Eliza MacLauchlan, Jenna McLellen, Stephanie MacKinnon, Hilary Waugh, Leanne Doiron, Michelle Clow and Jenna Matheson.
Veterans Lydia Ellis, Amy Rawlinson, Ellen Dixon, Kathryn Hay and Erica Ross are taking on new leadership roles and are looking forward to the challenge. 2009 Rookie of the Year, Marina MacAulay, and sophomore Lacey MacLauchlan will be filling big holes left by graduating players.
The season will kick off at UNB on September 24-25 with the final tournament being held at UPEI on October 16-17.
Women's Rugby
The UPEI Women's Rugby Team is looking forward to the 2010 season. This team is ready for a new start and is fortunate to have excellent veteran players returning, including Ashley MacIntyre and Kaitlin Richard.
The combination of veterans and rookies leads the coaching staff to believe that this can be the season to rise in the standings. Having played two pre-season exhibition games in Quebec, including a loss to McGill and a victory over Bishop's, the team is in good shape and prepared to start off their season.
Swimming
UPEI Swimming is looking to continue the success of 2009-10 season this coming year. AUS Champion Eric Beaton will be back in the pool striving to defend his crown while Rookie of the Year, Sydney Morley, will also be back to make her mark in year two of her career. Several new recruits will soon be in the pool looking to secure a spot on the Varsity squad.
Men's Hockey
Head coach Forbie MacPherson is confident that the UPEI Men's Hockey team will build upon last year's strong finish to see the Panthers be a strong AUS contender in 2010-11.
With new recruits Guggenberger, Fraser, Malone, Cameron, and Boyle combined with returning CIS Rookie of the Year, Jared Gomes, and fifth-year star Cory Vitarelli, UPEI will be strong both offensively and defensively. The mix of former MJHL, OHL and AUS players will add a tremendous amount of depth and versatility to the UPEI line-up.
UPEI's season home opener is October 15 when they host University of New Brunswick.
Women's Hockey
The UPEI Women's Hockey program welcomes no less than ten rookies into their lineup this year: Anja Weisser from Germany, Shelby Lyons and Christine Kelly from New Brunswick, Daryl Kress and Ferran Brown from Alberta, Kristen Visser from Victoria, PEI, Lyndsay Oaks from Nova Scotia, Brooke Taylor Payne from Northwest Territories, Issy Lefebvre from Ontario, and Jessica Rosenbaum from Manitoba.
Returning scorers include Kelsey O'Donnell, Sue Cortilette, Amanda Armstrong, Jenelle Mackenzie, and team captain, Amber Gaudette. Both goalies Bailey Toupin and Kristy Dobson return for their second year and will look to continue the strong success that the team had last year. ‘Team Defense' will be led by last year's Team MVP, Jaime Lynn Donaldson, along with returning players Kristen Nash and Alicia Betts.
Defensively the team looks to continue to improve on its success from last year. With the added addition of some offence, the team looks to finish stronger, especially on odd-man situations.
Men's Basketball
With over half of the roster staying on the Island in the spring and summer months to train, all of the incoming and returning UPEI Men's Basketball student athletes are focused and prepared to bringing a defensive-minded, up-tempo style to the hard-court this season. This year happens to be the 25th anniversary of the Panthers' first AUS Championship in 1985-86.
The pre-season will see the return of UPEI's Mickey Place Memorial Tournament October 15-17, where UPEI will host York University, Brock University, and the University of New Brunswick. The team is then on the road for tournaments at McGill and St. Francis Xavier universities- excellent opportunities for the team to gel and integrate the addition of at least half a dozen new faces, including transfers from Maryland, Ontario, and Quebec, and high school recruits out of Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.
The home opener for Men's Basketball is November 19 when UPEI hosts University of New Brunswick.
Women's Basketball
This year's roster will feature plenty of new faces mixed in with the familiar faces, ranging from across the country, with student-athletes from Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, and of course, Prince Edward Island. The team is looking forward to merging the different skill sets of these young athletes into a competitive team on the court.
This will not be the tallest or biggest team in the league and will need to make good use of strong shooters at nearly every position. At the other end of the floor, the Panthers take great pride in their defense and plan to be one of the best defensive teams in the conference.
With only one fourth-year player, it is likely that the young team will experience some growing pains but there is no doubt they have the right character and work ethic to move in the right direction of rebuilding the Women's Basketball program.
Women's Soccer
"Make the playoffs, win the AUS, win the CIS" are the stated goals of this year's UPEI Women's Soccer team. Eighteen returning players, including nine starters from the 2009 team which lost the AUS final on penalty shots, provide much optimism for coach Mike Redmond, now in his seventh season, along with assistants Clarence Frizzell, Kim Swan, Janelle Blanchard and goalkeeper coach Trent Hayes. Adding to the optimism is the knowledge that UPEI is hosting the CIS championship November 11-14 in Charlottetown.
Redmond has been busy putting the athletes through sessions twice a day in preparation for exhibition games in Fredericton where they defeated University of New Brunswick, 3-0, and tied McGill, 1-1.
Experience and depth will be keys to the success of the team. Four returning AUS all-stars in key positions (keeper, centre back, centre midfield and centre striker) are an indication that the expectations for this team are high.
