As you read this update, many uncertainties yet exist in our sport at the U SPORTS level as they do in all sports, academics and life in general. The looming threat of the COVID-19 Pandemic has forced the cancellation of our 2020/21 season, our current Pandas have been confined to their homes to attend virtual lectures on a daily basis and, let's just say that our practice week looks a little different than how you all might remember it! New challenges to say the least!  

Fortunately for our current team, the culture that you have all played a part in building provides a strong foundation of resilience, excellence, optimism and, most of all, PHamily. These values have helped prop up a shift in our coaches' and players collective mindset from what "isn't" to what "can be"! Our group has made an authentic decision to focus on individual development and growth - more so than ever before - with the goal of each of us being better next season than we might have been in this one.

Team growth has also been an area of greater emphasis. Support between team members is at its peak as we all commit to helping each other get through these challenging times. Finally, within every challenge lies an opportunity and our team has decided to enhance our commitment to supporting the greater community by giving blood, contributing to shelters, creating Christmas gift boxes for underprivileged families while continuing to contribute to longstanding activities like sharing time with minor hockey groups and reading to kids in October! 


2020-21 Pandas Hockey team, with Abby Krzyzaniak and Kiara Machry receiving their Block A Sweaters

Though they have yet to pull on their Pandas Jersey, I believe that the newest additions to the Pandas PHamily will bring the grit, determination, skill, discipline and respect that will continue to bring pride to those of us who have worn the Green and Gold! Though there are too many to list in this message, I would like to encourage you to keep your eyes open for our Pandas Hockey Jersey Presentation that will occur virtually some time in the early New Year.  

Other Pandas Hockey events to be aware of in 2021:

• Partnership with 5 Days for the Homeless Trivia Night
• 2001-2007 Pandas Teams Sports Wall of Fame Induction 
• Pandas PHamily Virtual Duck Race Fundraiser - Spring 2021
• Alumni Speaker Series - To bring our Pandas' generations together, we are hosting regular virtual nights where we hope to bring in one or more of our alums to talk about the Pandas Legacy, and maybe share a few stories of your time at the U of A. If you would like to take part on your own or with a few of your past teammates, please let me know.

Finally, I would like to wish you and your families a wonderful spring season and a message of hope for the summer..."Win the period - Win the game - Come in Singing!!"

Howie Draper