MacDougall Signs With EIHL's Caps

(FREDERICTON, NB) Taylor MacDougall should feel right at home in his new home.

After five seasons with the UNB Varsity Reds, the 26-year old forward has signed a two-year contract with the Edinburgh Capitals, of Britain’s Elite Ice Hockey League.

“I have a bit of Scottish lineage,” MacDougall said, in a release issued by the Capitals. “My mom is a MacDonald and her grandmother was Scottish.”

“When the Caps reached out, I was intrigued,” said MacDougall. “I began to research the city and immediately fell in love with it. The more I heard about the team and the league, the more interested I became.”

MacDougall capped his five-year run with the Varsity Reds with his second CIS championship, in March.

During his Varsity Reds career, he made four appearances in the national championship tournament, winning two gold medals and a silver. He was part of five AUS pennant winning teams and three AUS champion teams.

The Capitals release says MacDougall will play a specific role with the team, describing him as a faceoff specialist, “who averages an approximate 70% win rate.” The Caps say he’ll be used against opponent’s top lines, to limit their puck possession.

Just like at UNB, MacDougall will combine hockey with education.

He’ll pursue a Masters in Business Administration at Edinburgh’s world renowned Heriot-Watt University.

“It’s a pretty special opportunity for Taylor to play pro hockey while combining academics,” said Varsity Reds head coach Gardiner MacDougall. “He brought a great deal of passion, hard work, leadership and commitment to our program, and will certainly help grow that culture with his new team.”

MacDougall is likely to see some familiar faces as he travels with the Capitals.

The team recently signed former UPEI Panther Mason Wilgosh.

Last season, former Varsity Reds Travis Fullerton, Chris Culligan, and Thomas Nesbitt all played in the EIHL.

MacDougall began his professional hockey career earlier this season. He played four games with the Brampton Beast, on the East Coast Hockey League.

“I am very proud to be a part of the organization,” said MacDougall, in the Capitals release. “I look forward to making a difference on the ice and within the community.”