Peer Joining REDS

(FREDERICTON, NB) The defending U SPORTS and Atlantic University Sport men’s hockey champions are adding forward Oliver Peer to their recruiting class of 2024.

The forward, from Burlington, ON, recently concluded his major junior career with the Flint Firebirds of the Ontario Hockey League.

He’s signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent and will join the REDS ahead of the 2024-2025 AUS season.

“I’m very excited to join the team,” said the 21-year-old. “They’ve won a lot of championships and are one of the best programs in the country.”

In a total of 180 regular season OHL games with Flint and the Windsor Spitfires, Peer scored 65 goals and had 91 assists. Last season, which Peer split between Windsor and Flint, he registered a career high 37 goals and 43 assists.

Following Flint’s first round exit from the OHL playoffs, he played one game for the Fort Wayne Komets, of the East Coast Hockey League.

“Oliver is a key addition for us,” said REDS’ head coach Rob Hennigar. “His speed and creativity with the puck will make him a fan favourite. He can break games open with his offensive ability and will be an important piece of our forward group this season.”

Peer chose UNB over other U SPORTS options.

“UNB has built a culture of winning and moving players onto the next level while pursuing an education,” he said. “That was ultimately what made me decide to head there.”

In 2022, Peer, who can play both right wing and centre, attended the Pittsburgh Penguins development camp. In 2023, he attended the Calgary Flames development camp, rookie tournament, and main training camp.

“I think Coach Hennigar likes the tools that I have and sees me as a player that can contribute to the team's success,” said Peer. “I’m a fast, skilled and smart offensive player. I love to create opportunities for myself and teammates.”

“He’s a passionate player who loves the game and brings a lot of excitement to the rink,” said Hennigar.

Peer will study Business while attending UNB.

STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics

PHOTOS: Remo Agostino/Windsor Spitfires