Veteran OHL Forwards Commit To REDS
(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS men’s hockey team is naming forwards Mike Petizian and Cody Morgan as members of their recruiting class of 2022.
Both have signed U SPORTS Letters of Intent and will join the REDS ahead of the 2022-2023 Atlantic University Sport season.
“Cody and Mike are big additions for our REDS hockey club,” said REDS associate coach Rob Hennigar. “Cody is a gifted offensive player that makes plays and contributes on the score sheet, and Mike is a dynamic player who can change the game with his speed and work ethic.”
Petizian, from Mississauga, ON, recently completed his overage season with the Kitchener Rangers of the Ontario Hockey League. In four seasons with the Rangers, the left winger scored 63 goals and 72 assists in 230 regular season games. In 2021-22, he posted career highs, with 34 goals and 37 assists.
Morgan, from Maple, ON, played in 257 regular season games for Kingston, Windsor, Flint and London during a four-season OHL career, scoring 70 goals and 119 assists. He too recorded career-best numbers in 2021-22, scoring 30 goals and 41 assists for the Knights.
“I chose UNB and the REDS’ men’s hockey program because of the winning culture the team has built over the years, the consistent national championship appearances they’ve made, and the many players that go on to play pro hockey after graduating,” said Petizian.
“I hate losing and UNB hates to lose as well,” said Morgan. “I love how they push their players to get better, not only as hockey players, but as people and as students.”
Both players were recruited by other U SPORTS programs, but feel UNB and the REDS are the best fit for them.
“I’m a highly offensive player who creates a lot of chances for my teammates and me,” said Morgan. “I’ll bring skill and a good 200-foot game.”
“I believe I’ll fit right in to their style of play, fast and high paced,” said Petizian. “I put a lot of emphasis on fitness and work ethic. I’m a speedy winger that loves to make plays off the rush and shoot the puck.”
In a twist, Petizian ended Morgan’s major junior career when he scored the overtime winner in game seven of the OHL’s Western Conference quarter-final series between Kitchener and London.
“He’s coming off an excellent overage season,” said Coach Hennigar, of Petizian. “He’s a passionate player on and off the ice and will be a key contributor for UNB over the next few seasons.”
“Cody can make plays and find his teammates or he uses his shot to beat goalies from almost anywhere in the offensive zone,” said Hennigar. “We’re excited to get Cody into our system and make him an integral part of our future success.”
Both Morgan and Petizian say establishing themselves and contributing immediately are short-term goals. Longer-term, both want to help the REDS win national championships.
Both will study Business while attending UNB.
PHOTOS:
Morgan – Matt Hiscox/London Knights
Petizian – Dan Hamilton/Kitchener Rangers