Hockey Day in Fredericton
The Canadiens captured the New Brunswick major midget title at home last Tuesday, the Red Blazers secured the Maritime Intercollegiate Women's Hockey League Challenge Cup for club teams on Saturday in Wolfville, NS, while on Sunday afternoon FHS won the New Brunswick Interscholastic Athletic Association AAA boys championship for the third time in a row, and that evening at the Aitken University Centre the V-Reds won their fourth University Cup, and their third CIS championship in the last five years.
Wednesday morning the Varsity Reds were the guests of New Brunwsick Premier David Alward and were publically recognized at the provincial legislature. Later at the lunchtime open air ceremony Alward congratulated the athletes for their off-ice accomplishments as much as thier achievements on the ice. "They're not only showing excellence in athletics but excellence in academics as well," Alward said.
Gardiner MacDougall was all smiles watching the ceremonies. "It is a really special day, probably really unique to have it at every level. A real credit to the people of Fredericton, both male and female. The two university teams, the high school champions and the midget champions -- it speaks well for the development of players, the coaches and the volunteers in the community."
Fredericton natives Jordan Clendenning, the graduating Josh Hepditch and Ryan Seymour are former midget AAA Canadiens who've gone on to play for UNB. "This is a pretty exciting day," Clendenning said. "It's definitely special to be from here and be able to win a championship in front of friends and family," Clendenning said. "I'll always remember winning something like this on my home turf, right in my own backyard. I played for the AAA midget hockey program and to see them noted with everyone else is pretting exciting".
"The whole weekend was just electric," added Clendenning, who will return next season to try to help the Reds repeat on home ice. "The way the city and the university got behind the team means a lot to the players. It doesn't take a lot to get up for those games. When you look up in the stands and the place is full, it gives you shivers."