(FREDERICTON, NB) In recognition that the Canadian Hockey League continues to be the main source of talent for the UNB Reds men’s hockey program, the Reds are proud to announce they’ll present the Saint John Sea Dogs and Cape Breton Screaming Eagles in Quebec Major Junior Hockey League pre-season action, on Saturday, September 14th, at 7:00pm, at the Aitken University Centre.
“The Reds have always had a strong interest in what the Sea Dogs and Screaming Eagles do,” said Nick Zildjan, the Reds Marketing and Special Events Manager. “Over the years, graduates of both teams have earned spots on the Reds roster, so it makes sense to welcome them to the Aitken Centre.”
This will be the second pre-season trip to the Aitken Centre in three years for the Sea Dogs, who took on the Moncton Wildcats in Fredericton in a 2017 exhibition tilt.
Five current members of the Reds skated with one or both of the teams participating in the game.
Forward Stephen Anderson and defenceman Olivier LeBlanc spent time with both the Sea Dogs and Screaming Eagles, while defenceman Matt Murphy and forwards Oliver Cooper and Samuel Dove-McFalls are former Sea Dogs.
This game marks a further cementing of a blossoming relationship between the Reds and the Sea Dogs.
“Hockey is a big part of what we do,” said Zildjan. “Being able to partner with a quality organization like the Sea Dogs is beneficial for both of us.”
"Since 2017, we have drafted the most New Brunswick-born players in the Quebec League,” said Sea Dogs President and General Manager Trevor Georgie. “We consider ourselves not just Saint John's team, but New Brunswick's team. We love seeing the excitement in the communities that we visit.”
Georgie notes this September’s visit to UNB and the Aitken Centre will have extra meaning for Sea Dogs Josh Lawrence and Dawson Stairs, both Fredericton natives.
“It will certainly be a homecoming for Josh and Dawson, playing in their hometown in front of friends and family."
“Ties with both teams run deep here,” said Zildjan. “We’ll have current Reds cheering for both teams, and I imagine the crowd will be somewhat pro-Sea Dogs, given the geography. Regardless, it should be a great game for both teams.”
While it’s an exhibition game, it will be the last pre-season game for both teams. Final cuts will be made shortly afterward. That means both clubs will be using line-ups that will closely resemble those they ice during the regular season.
Tickets for the game go on sale on Wednesday, July 24th, at 10:00am, at the Aitken Centre box office or on line, at www.goredsgo.ca
Tickets cost $12 for adults and $10 for seniors, students and youth.
You can get a free ticket to the game with every 2019-2020 UNB Reds Season Pass purchased, while supplies last. More details on this offer are available at the AUC box office.