The No. 2 UNB Varsity Reds arrive for their first visit to Thunder Bay. UNB was the host of last year's CIS National Championships and will also host again this season. UNB defeated Lakehead 4-3 at the Nationals. The V-Reds were also the AUS conference Champions last season. The team is currently in first place in the AUS conference at the Christmas break. The Varsity Reds had a lot of team turnover from last season with eleven new faces on their roster.
The Reds come into the tournament with a 10-2-1 AUS record and a 12-3-1 overall mark (.750 winning percentage). They are third in the CIS in team defense, allowing 2.1 goals per game. The Reds are 6th in offense, averaging 4.5 goals per game. UNB has five players in the Top 20 in AUS scoring, including conference points leader Ryan Lindsay. The other four snipers are Ryan Burgoyne, Kevin Young, Jesse Ferguson, and Colin Sinclair.
Head Coach Gardiner MacDougall has recruited some top talent this season, and returning players look to grow into bigger roles in the UNB system this year. Coach MacDougall said his team is looking forward to playing in the Bell Varsity Cup. "We are looking forward to the excellent opportunity presented to our
team by the second annual Bell Varsity Cup. The challenge to play four top ranked
teams in the CIS will provide excellent development for our team on the way
to again hosting the CIS National Tournament next March. We have heard great things about the tradition being established at Lakehead under the guidance of
former AUS opponent Pete Belliveau and feel privileged to be part of this
showcase tourney. The Thunderwolves played to rave reviews in their
appearance last season at the Nationals in Fredericton and we're hoping our team
can do the same in Thunder Bay."
This year's defense features rugged 2002-03 1st team AUS All-Star Kevin Werner along with second-year players Craig Mahon and Jesse Ferguson. Mike Dombkiewicz also returns with Rob Hegberg, who did not play last year. Also on defense are Mark Watson and newcomers Kevin Young and Craig Perry.
The team is still well stocked at the center position, with captain Ryan Lindsay returning along with Ryan Burgoyne and Calvin Watson. Newcomers are Jean-Michel Boisvert and Mathieu Cusson.
On the wings, newcomer Colin Sinclair, along with returnees Troy Stonier and Jason Hegberg, will be counted on to do much of the goal scoring this year. Other forwards are speedster Denny Johnston, Stacy Smallman, Ryan Mockler, Kyle Werner and Scott Markowsky.
For more information about the Varsity Reds; click here and here.