(FREDERICTON, NB) Three members of the UNB REDS men’s hockey team will represent Canada at the 2023 FISU World Winter University Games, in Lake Placid, New York, in January.
Forwards Austen Keating and Brady Gilmour, and defenceman Adam McCormick, have been named to the Canadian men’s hockey team.
“Being named to Team Canada is an honour and a privilege,” said Keating. “This is an opportunity I dreamed about as a kid. With all the talented players in this country, to be selected is an amazing feeling.”
“Being named to Team Canada is a huge honour,” said Gilmour. “There are lots of talented players across U SPORTS, so to be named to this team is exciting and I can’t wait for the opportunity to wear that jersey.”
The three REDS are among 11 Atlantic University Sport players named to the 23-man roster. Four players from the Canada West conference were selected as well, along with eight from the OUA.
UNB’s Gardiner MacDougall will serve as the team’s head coach.
“We’re excited, and it will be even more exciting when we get together,” said MacDougall. “Putting together a group for the first time comes with adrenaline and pride. They want to represent their area of the country with pride. There is an increase in energy and effort when you put that storied Team Canada jersey on.”
2023 will mark MacDougall’s third visit to the World Winter University Games. In 2007, he was a member of the coaching staff on Canada’s gold medal winning team. In 2013, he was the head coach as Canada, once again, won gold.
“Having Gardiner as head coach helps me and Brady and Adam,” said Keating. “We know what he expects every time our team hits the ice and the work ethic that he demands from his players. There is no doubt he’ll have us prepared and ready to go for the first game.”
McCormick recently represented U SPORTS as a member of MacDougall’s AUS all-star team that took on the national junior team hopefuls in a two-game series in Moncton.
All three REDS are eager to represent Canada, the AUS and UNB.
“Austen is a great player,” said Gilmour. “He’s been a leader on our team for the past couple of seasons. His work ethic and hockey smarts are some of his biggest assets. It's always great playing with him, so I'm excited we will be together at this tournament.”
“I think Brady is a hard-working and talented player,” said Keating. “He can be played at any position and at both ends of the ice. His vision and play-making ability are top tier and get better every time he steps onto the ice. He’s a versatile two-way forward.”
Team Canada will open the men’s hockey tournament against Ukraine, on January 12th. They’ll also face Sweden, Japan, Latvia and Czechia in round-robin play.
The men’s hockey semi-finals will be played on January 21st, with the gold and bronze medal games going January 22nd.
“I expect it’s going to be very fast and physical,” said Keating. “It’s going to be an exciting time for all the players in attendance and an opportunity that will stay with us for the rest of our lives.”
“I think whenever you’re wearing the Team Canada logo, the goal and expectation is a gold medal,” added Gilmour. “I'm excited to get together and start practicing with the team and building chemistry that we can take into the tournament to try and win that gold medal.”
Gilmour was among the REDS named to the AUS all-star team for the series against the national junior team hopefuls, but couldn’t participate as he’s recovering from an injury. He’s resumed skating this week and is hopeful he’ll be ready for the resumption of the AUS season and the FISU Games.
“It’s a unique challenge, putting together a roster with so many great players available,” said Coach MacDougall. “We have really good representation in our management and coaching staff, so they have a real handle on things in their regions.”
Ryan Sweeney, an Athletic Therapist with the REDS men’s hockey team, will serve in a similar role with Team Canada, bringing to five the UNB contingent.
At the last World Winter University Games, held in Russia in 2019, Canada’s men’s team won the bronze medal.
STORY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics with files from U SPORTS
PHOTOS: James West/for UNB Athletics