(FREDERICTON, NB) One step closer. That’s the way Paige Grenier sees Atlantic University Sport’s release of 2021-22 fall and winter sport schedules.
After spending the 2020-21 season on the shelf, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Grenier, captain of the REDS women’s hockey team, welcomed the release of the schedules.
“It feels great to actually have a schedule for the season again,” she said. “Obviously, it was very exciting when the AUS announced a return to play plan, but the schedule takes us one step closer to getting back to playing meaningful games.”
Grenier and the REDS open their season at home, on Friday, October 8th, at 7:00pm, when they host the UPEI Panthers.
The REDS men’s hockey team will skate into the 2021-22 season two nights earlier.
The defending U SPORTS and AUS champions host l’Universite de Moncton Aigles Bleus on Wednesday, October 6th. Face off is at 7:00pm.
The women’s and men’s soccer teams open their 2021 campaigns on the road, Saturday, September 11th, at Dalhousie.
The REDS home openers will come a week later when the defending AUS champions from Cape Breton University visit on September 18th. The women will kick off at 1:00pm, the men at 3:15.
The AUS women’s volleyball schedule has the REDS, and new head coach Richard Schick, opening on the road.
UNB will visit Dalhousie on Saturday, October 30th, at 3:00pm.
“I can’t wait,” said Schick. “For us to know that we have a schedule where we have confirmed dates, opponents and matches is uber exciting for not only our players, but fans and supporters of our program.”
Schick says the seasons may still be weeks, if not months, away, but their release will provide a boost to all student-athletes and team staff.
“This past year and a bit has been extremely tough on everyone. For many, competition is a major part of our lives, not only for physical health, but for personal and mental well-being.”
The REDS women’s and men’s basketball teams open their respective seasons at home.
St FX visits the Currie Center for a pair of double-headers, Friday, October 29th, and Saturday, October 30th. The women will tip off at 6:00pm both night, while the men will follow at 8:00.
"It’s exciting to have something concrete to look forward too," said Sterling Simpson, a four-year member of the REDS men's basketball team. "To finally have something that we know is certain is a huge motivator for us a team."
The AUS swimming schedule opens the weekend of October 16th and 17, at Acadia.
The REDS will host the Amby Legere Invitational, at the Sir Max Aitken Pool, October 30th and 31st.
The starter’s gun for the AUS cross country season will fire on September 18th, at St FX.
UNB and St. Thomas University will co-host an invitational meet on Saturday, October 16th.
Moncton will host the 2022 AUS Track & Field Championships, February 25th and 26th.
The host and dates for the 2022 AUS Curling Championships will be announced at a later date.
The REDS men’s volleyball team, which competes in Quebec’s RSEQ, is still awaiting their 2021-22 season schedule.
PHOTOS: MBB/MHKY/WVB – James West/for UNB Athletics
WTF – Kevin Barrett/for UNB Athletics