The University of Alberta Pandas hockey team has made headlines after refusing to shake hands with the University of Prince Edward Island Panthers following a tense game that ended in a heated exchange. Some players and supporters claim that the game was marred by unsportsmanlike conduct and aggressive play, leading to tensions on and off the ice. As the controversy continues to simmer, many are questioning the role of sportsmanship in competitive play and what can be done to ensure fair and respectful competition in the future.
The University of Alberta’s men’s hockey team, the Golden Bears, recently had a controversial game against the University of Prince Edward Island Panthers in the U Sports semifinals. The Golden Bears ultimately won 4-1, but the game was not without drama. In the third period, with the Golden Bears leading 3-0, UPEI’s Zac Beauregard collided with Alberta goaltender Ethan Kruger, who believed the act was intentional. Kruger retaliated by dragging Beauregard down to the ice, which sparked a massive scrum between both teams. During the pileup around Alberta’s net, Beauregard sucker-punched Kruger in the face, causing tensions to rise even further.
Beauregard received two minutes for goaltender interference, two for roughing, and a 10-minute game misconduct. UPEI’s Kaleb Pearson also received a 10-minute game misconduct, and Alberta received a two-minute roughing penalty. The rest of the game continued with chippiness, with a total of 50 combined penalty minutes, 42 to UPEI and only 8 to Alberta.
After the game, the Golden Bears players and coaches quickly left the ice without shaking their opponents’ hands, which is a customary tradition following the end of each playoff round. Head coach Ian Herbers stated that he feared his players and staff were at risk of harm during the hostile environment that broke out, not only on the ice but also in the crowd. Therefore, he advised everyone to leave as quickly as possible.
Kruger missed the remainder of Saturday’s game after entering concussion protocol but was cleared to play in Sunday’s championship game, where the Golden Bears lost to the University of New Brunswick Reds.
In the end, the actions of the University of Alberta team after their game against UPEI continue to ring true. While hockey is often heralded as a rough and tumble, physically demanding sport, it should never lack the sportsmanship and respect that is a core component of any competitive endeavor. We hope that both universities can learn from this unfortunate incident and work towards a better, more respectful future on the ice. After all, at the end of the day, the ultimate goal of any game is to have fun and enjoy the experience with others.
