UNB Adds Three D-men Plus Top End Forward

The 2013 CIS National Champions UNB Varsity Reds have announced the addition of four players to their roster for the upcoming 2013-14 CIS season.

The players include two players from the QMJHL including former team captain of the Victoriaville Tigers, Philippe Halley, along with local New Brunswick product defenseman Jordan Murray of Riverview and formerly of the Drummondville Voltigeurs.  They also added two top notch defensemen from the OHL including OHL defenseman of the year finalist Matt Petgrave from the Oshawa Generals and team captain Keevin Cutting from the Owen Sound Attack. Petgrave and Cutting were former team-mates in Owen Sound in 2010-11 when they won the OHL Championship and participated in the Memorial Cup. 

Philippe Halley – The native of Quebec City has enjoyed an outstanding four year QMJHL career highlighted by back to back 40 goal seasons in Victoriaville. Known as one of the hardest working and competitive players in the "Q", Halley should fit right in with UNB's high paced attack and is expected to be a key contributor.  

"Phillippe is a great person and leader, has excellent speed and is a proven play-off performer in Gatineau and Victoriaville. We are very excited about what he can bring to our team," were the words of head coach Gardiner MacDougall.

Halley is enrolled in UNB's Faculty of Kinesiology and had attended the Summer Development Camp of the Phoenix  Coyotes.

2012-13 GP 67   G 40    A 38    78 PTS

2011-12 GP 66   G 43    A 36    79 PTS

Jordan Murray – Murray had a break-out 20 year old season with 13-43-56 pts in 64 games played and was among the leaders in the QMJHL.  The 6'2" 210lb rearguard was one of the most improved players in the league and was a former member of the Acadie-Bathurst Titan.

"Jordan has a big upside to his game – he has great offensive instinct and a heavy shot, but also can play a physical game and we think he can turn into a top-notch two-way D-man. He's a great story of perseverance and it's great to add a New Brunswick player to our roster" said MacDougall. 

Murray is enrolled in UNB's Faculty of Business Administration and will be the second Riverview, NB native to join UNB after three-time National Champion Travis Fullerton.

Matt Petgrave – Despite missing 18 games with an injury, Petgrave had an outstanding 20 year old season, scoring 50 points in 50 games (10 goals/40 assists) and top 7 overall in the OHL.  For his accomplishments, he was named as a finalist for the Max Kaminsky OHL D-man of the year.  The four year OHL veteran also has plenty of international experience – participating in the OHL –Russia Challenge and also was a summer camp invite to Canada's World Junior Camp in 2011.

"Matt has excellent athletic ability, great offensive upside, a real physical presence and will be a top notch addition to our team," commented MacDougall.

Petgrave will be attending the Washington Capitals training camp and is enrolled in UNB's Faculty of Business Administration.

Keevin Cutting – The fiery captain of the Owen Sound Attack where he spent all five of his OHL years and appeared in a franchise record 374 OHL regular season and playoff games.  He is an excellent defensive d-man and takes pride in shutting down the top opponents players.  Cutting won a U-17 Canadian Championship with Team Ontario along with his OHL Championship. 

MacDougall had this to say: "Keevin has great size, is in top physical condition, plays a hard-nosed competitive game and we are excited about the upside development of his overall game."

He will attend the NHL camp of the Florida Panthers and is also enrolled in UNB's Faculty of Business Administration. 

2012-13 GP 68   G 4     A 10    14 PTS          42 PIM

2011-12 GP 68   G 7     A 18    25 PTS           71 PIM

The Varsity Reds will have another ambitious start to their 2013-14 season which will include a trip to Denver, Colorado where they will play 3 NCAA games and their annual exhibition game versus the Portland Pirates of the AHL.