REDS To Host U SPORTS Championships

(FREDERICTON, NB) In a building rich in Canadian university hockey history, another chapter will be written in 2027.

For the first time, the Aitken Centre and the University of New Brunswick will play host to the U SPORTS women’s hockey championship.

“This is an opportunity for our program, our student-athletes and our community to showcase the relentless spirit and dedication that define UNB hockey,” said Sarah Hilworth, head coach of the REDS’ women’s hockey team. “Hosting the national championship is not only a chance to compete at the highest level on home ice but also to inspire the next generation of athletes.”

The REDS were named as hosts by U SPORTS, Wednesday. The governing body for university sport in Canada also announced that UNB will host the 2028 University Cup tournament which decides the national champion in men’s hockey.

“It’s great for our program, our fans and our student-athletes,” said Rob Hennigar, head coach of UNB’s men’s team. “Having been part of the most recent national championships here, in 2017 and 2018, I can say it doesn’t get any better than our building and the atmosphere it provides at the national level.”

“We have the best fans in Canada, and it’ll be on display for the rest of U SPORTS to see during that event,” added Hennigar. “We couldn’t be more excited.” 

The Aitken Centre and UNB have played host to the University Cup on six previous occasions (2003, 2004, 2011, 2012, 2017, 2018) but hosting the national women’s championship is a first.

“Since the return of our women’s hockey program, our student-athletes and coaches have pushed the bar incredibly high in a very short period of time,” said UNB REDS Executive Director John Richard. “After appearing in three consecutive national championship tournaments as conference champion, it’s only natural for us to soon be hosting a national championship tournament. UNB has a strong record of hosting national championship events, and we look forward to extending that record and improving on it with women’s hockey in 2027.”

UNB’s hosting duties are part of six national championship events coming to the Maritimes in 2026, 2027, and 2028.

For the student-athletes who’ll be involved, the excitement is already building.

“In 2027, not only will we showcase our exceptional hockey program but we’ll all get to further inspire younger hockey players and elevate women’s hockey in the community,” said Jorja Nystrom, currently in her third season with the REDS’ women’s team. “Our program has been successful over the past couple of years and has been leaving an impact on our community. We’ve done our best to encourage and inspire young women from all over the province. This will be a great opportunity to expose them to highly skilled and highly competitive women’s hockey.”

The 2025 U SPORTS women’s hockey championship will be hosted by the University of Waterloo while the University of Ottawa will host the University Cup.

In 2026, Saint Mary’s University and Halifax will host the U Cup tournament.

An announcement regarding the host of the 2026 women’s championship and the 2027 men’s tournament will come soon.

“We’re ready for the challenge this opportunity will present,” said Coach Hilworth. “We can’t wait to share this part of our journey with our fans.”

STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics

FILE PHOTO BY: James West/for UNB Athletics