Orianna MacNeil of the Prince Edward Island Panthers carries the puck during Atlantic University Sport action earlier this season in Charlottetown, P.E.I. The Mabou product was named the AUS rookie of the year for her efforts in her first season in the league. PHOTO/UPEI PANTHERS - UPEI ATHLETICSCHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — If you would have asked Orianna MacNeil where she would be playing hockey in 2022-23 this time last year, she likely wouldn’t have been able to give you a firm answer.
MacNeil’s coach during her season with the prep school team was Kenny MacDougall. Knowing there was a coaching change coming with the Prince Edward Island Panthers, he put MacNeil in contact with current head coach Sean Fisher. “I didn’t feel like I was out of place, but it felt a little bit strange,” said MacNeil. “As time went on and we found our role on the ice and got used to playing with all the girls, it became more normal, but it did take some time, for sure.”
“I never expected that we were going to make it as far as we did. It was a complete grind this year, we hardly ever received days off, but I guess it all paid off in the end and I think it was all worthwhile.” During her time with Mount Academy, MacNeil posted 29 goals and 45 points in 52 games in 2021-22. While she always considered herself to have offensive ability, she said it’s another aspect of her game that she wants to continue to improve going into next season.