Strong field for UNB hoop tournaments

This year's version of the Accreon Helen Campbell and Eric Garland Basketball Tournament will feature very competitive lineups for both the men's and women's draws.

The event will be held on Thanksgiving weekend, Oct. 8-10, at the Aitken University Centre.

The Eric Garland men's draw will feature reigning AUS champion Cape Breton Capers and league runner-up St. Francis Xavier X-Men. The Lakehead Thunderwolves, a 2010 CIS Final 8 qualifier, will make the trek east to complete the four-team field.

These three teams all feature veteran lineups. UNB will return eight players from last year's team with four rookies rounding out this very young, but capable squad.

The women's draw will feature the University of Calgary Dinos, this year's Canada West entry. A high tempo, athletic team, with former UNB coach Claire Mitton on staff as associate coach, will be joined by the Dalhousie Tigers, a perennial AUS playoff team which finished with a 10-10 record last season, and the Concordia Stingers of Montreal. The revamped UNB squad, featuring four highly touted recruits and the return of former AUS all-star Leah Corby to join veteran all-star Amanda Sharpe, will be ready to begin what should be an exciting season as they hope to return to the AUS playoffs.

Game times and ticket prices are yet to be confirmed.