Posted: Apr 19, 2013
Former UNB Varsity Red Kevin Henderson will make his NHL debut with the Nashville Predators in Chicago tonight when they play the Chicago Black Hawks.
Henderson had been playing in the AHL with the Milwaukee Admirals – the farm team of the Predators and had been enjoying his best pro season with 16 goals and 11 assists - 27 points in 65 games played. In his most recent game with Milwaukee versus the Chicago Wolves, he scored the game winning goal and was named 1st star in a 3-2 victory.
Henderson is in his fourth pro season after signing a two year NHL deal with the San Jose Sharks after winning the 2009 National Championship with UNB. He played his first two years with the Worchester Sharks – San Jose’s AHL farm team. He suffered a major shoulder injury at the Portland Pirates training camp in 2011 before signing on with Milwaukee last January. He then had signed a one year NHL contract this fall with Nashville.
Henderson spent two seasons with the University of New Brunswick and in 2008-09, finished tied for fifth in Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) in regular season scoring with 50 points (19 goals, 31 assists) in 28 games; tops on the team. He also added 28 penalty minutes and finished as a +/- of +31. Overall in 49 games, Henderson had 27 goals, 42 assists for 69 points. In his rookie season with UNB he had 13 goals, 16 assists for 29 points in 44 games.
The rangy, fleet skating Henderson won the UNB most improved player award and was among the most improved players in the country. He was also voted as an Atlantic Conference 1st team all-star forward and received Honorable Mention as a CIS All- Canadian. He played a key role in the success of the Varsity Reds during those two seasons helping them win the 2009 National Championship after being the 2008 University Cup silver medalists.
“It is a lifetime opportunity for Kevin, his family and the entire V-Reds family. It is rewarding to see one of our former players be rewarded for his persistence, his work ethic and his belief in his goals to finally get the chance to play in the National Hockey League” were the comments of UNB Head Coach Gardiner MacDougall.
Henderson joins Darryl Boyce (Toronto/Columbus) as the most recent UNB players to make the NHL.
For further information please contact:
Gardiner MacDougall coachmac@unb.ca
506 447 3066