(FREDERICTON, NB) In the days before Christmas, in Fredericton, thoughts turn to family, friends, the festive season, and for some, hockey.
UNB Reds men’s hockey, to be specific, and the Peterbilt Atlantic Pete Kelly Cup.
“We love hockey, and it also happens to fall on my husbands’ birthday, so it’s become a family tradition to celebrate his birthday watching our Reds play some great hockey,” said long-time Reds supporter Shana Normand. “It is always exciting to watch them play a team we wouldn’t normally get to see. It is always great to see the Reds return, recharged after their much-deserved holiday break.”
The Peterbilt Atlantic Pete Kelly Cup has become a December tradition in the New Brunswick capital, just like holiday music, lights and presents under the tree.
“Our family has not missed a year, and we’ll be watching again this year from our seats in Section 15,” said Angie Morell-Kennedy, daughter of the Reds former Marketing and Special Events Manager, Dave Morell. “It gives the Reds a chance to play outside of their conference, most years, against another top team and to 'warm their skates’ after exams and holiday dinners. It gets them focused and ready to compete in the new year.”
2019 will mark the 15th Pete Kelly Cup.
The first was held in 2005, then a four-team, single-elimination tournament. The event has taken on various forms over the years.
This year’s event, like last year’s, will be a single game.
“It’s become a great holiday tradition here in Fredericton,” said Craig Allen, the Director of Marketing for Peterbilt Atlantic. “Our staff and our families circle it on their calendars and enjoy coming to the event every year. It seems to have a festive atmosphere. Fans are in the spirit of the season and the game-play seems to be fitting for the Christmas break.”
This year’s Pete Kelly Cup will see the Reds taking on the University of Windsor Lancers, from the Ontario University Athletics conference.
Through 17 regular season games, the Lancers are 12-4-1, and currently sit second in the tightly-contested OUA West, just three point back of the division-leading and nationally-ranked University of Toronto Varsity Blues.
“There’s pride on the line any time you represent the AUS,” said Reds head coach Gardiner MacDougall. “It’s a real good measuring stick. It’s only one game, but it’s a measuring stick for where our guys are at the beginning of the most important part of the season, the second half, the sprint.”
The U SPORTS No. 1 Reds are 13-4 through 17 games, and sit second in the Atlantic conference, two points shy of the Acadia Axemen.
“We’ve had a fairly strong first half and we’re looking to get a little better for the second half,” said MacDougall. “I think the guys will be excited. The mid-point is here. There’s a destination point in front of them and this is the start of the second half. We have 13 game over six weeks, with this it’s 14 games, and I think this will be a key starting point for us.”
The 2019 Peterbilt Atlantic Pete Kelly Cup will take place on Sunday, December 29th, at 4:00pm, at UNB’s Aitken University Centre.
“It’s a chance for our company to give back to our community,” said Allen. “As Canadians and Frederictonians, we’re all fans of hockey and the program here at UNB. It’s a great fit for our customers, our friends, our families and out staff.”
And, for Reds fans, it’s a great fit on their holiday social calendars.
“Peter Kelly left a legacy within the hockey world as well as his hometown, our hometown,” said Normand. “It’s something worth celebrating, so we show our support by going every year.”
“My Dad has retired, but we all still hold season passes and try to get to as many games as possible,” said Morell-Kennedy. “We couldn’t imagine a week between Christmas and New Year’s without a trip to the Aitken Centre.”
The Reds have won 13 of the 14 Pete Kelly Cup events and boast a record of 26-3 in Kelly Cup tournament or single-game series games.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics