Carter Rigby plans to continue his hockey career with the University of Prince Edward Island Panthers next fall.
Panthers coach Forbes MacPherson pursued the former Osoyoos Coyote and Penticton Vee for months. Early in the recruiting process, Rigby said it became obvious that UPEI was going to be his destination.
“I found my conversations with Forbie honest and down to earth,” said Rigby in a team statement. “Everything I’ve learned about PEI, the university, and the hockey program made me realize this was the best fit for the next stage in my career.”
The Panthers said having Rigby join their program is welcome news.
“Carter is the kind of impact player we have been keying in on for the past couple of years. He competes at a very high level every night, he loves to play in the tough areas in both ends of the rink and he has the ability to finish scoring plays because of his great shot,” said MacPherson. “I expect Carter will be a great compliment to our program and I can’t wait to see him wearing the green and white.”
The Penticton Minor Hockey Association product ended his season collecting three assists in four East Coast Hockey League games with the Stockton Thunder. Rigby joined the Thunder after concluding his Western Hockey League career with the Swift Current Broncos, where he was traded to by the Kelowna Rockets.
The six-foot, 225-pound Rigby is described as bringing size, speed and determination with a nose for the net. In four WHL seasons, Rigby scored 70 goals and added 62 assists with Broncos and primarily with the Rockets.
“When I come to the rink, I bring a lot of energy to the game,” said Rigby, who will enroll in the Business Administration program. “I feel UPEI fans will see a solid, tough player who loves to play the body and put the puck in the net.”
Before Rigby joins the Panthers, he will head to Minnesota as his 2014-15 season earned him an invitation to an NHL summer camp with the Wild.