(FREDERICTON, NB) As the UNB REDS' men's hockey team prepare to open their 2022 training camp, they’re adding defenceman Justin Nolet to their current recruiting class.
A veteran of more than 100 regular season games in the Ontario Hockey League, with the Sarnia Sting and Kitchener Rangers, Nolet has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent and will join the REDS ahead of the 2022-2023 Atlantic University Sport season.
“The winning culture and the chance to pursue pro hockey after getting an education led me to UNB,” said Nolet. “I had a couple other schools that were interested, but once I heard from UNB, it was an easy decision. The culture here is second to none.”
A late-round OHL draft pick, Nolet blossomed during the 2019-20 and 2021-22 OHL seasons.
He recorded career-best numbers this past season with the Rangers.
“He was a key member of the Rangers and really progressed during the season,” said REDS head coach Gardiner MacDougall. “During the Rangers’ playoff run, he was averaging more than 30 minute a game. He has great mobility, moves the puck very well and has great offensive instincts.”
Along with being one of the most improved defensive players in the OHL last season, Nolet doubled his offensive output from 2019-20, scoring eight goals and 28 assists.
“He’s in top notch physical condition,” said Coach MacDougall. “His is a great story, being a late round draft pick and continuing to get better to the point of being an impact player with the Rangers last season. His skill set and attitude will fit very well here at UNB.”
Nolet has established continued improvement as one of his goals for the coming season and beyond. He also hopes to help the REDS return the national championship to Fredericton.
“I’ll bring positive energy and a strong work ethic to the REDS,” he said.
Nolet joins former Kitchener teammate Mike Petizian in UNB’s 2022 recruiting class.
“We grew pretty close there, so it’s nice that we both get the opportunity to move here and play together for a couple more years.”
Nolet will study business while attending UNB.
PHOTOS: Dan Hamilton/Kitchener Rangers