University Cup Begins Today

HALIFAX – The 2015 CIS University Cup has arrived.

The eight-team, single-elimination tournament begins today at Scotiabank Centre with a pair of quarterfinals. The tournament features some of the best hockey in the country and also features plenty of quality CHL alumni.

Former Sea Dogs in this year’s tournament include Michael Kirkpatrick of the StFX X-Men and Jacob DeSerres of the Calgary Dinos.

Kirkpatrick finished third in Atlantic University Sport scoring this season, recording nine goals and 25 assists in 28 games. The X-Men, who are the hosts of this year’s tournament, will be the eighth seed after being eliminated by the UNB Varsity Reds in the AUS semifinals.

DeSerres had the seventh best goal against average in the country this season (2.07) and 12^th best save percentage (.920). The Dinos are the sixth seed at this week’s tournament after falling to the Alberta Golden Bears in the Canada West final.

Both Kirkpatrick and DeSerres were part of Saint John’s 2010-11 Memorial Cup winning team.

Jordan Mock, who played one game with Saint John in 2010-11, will also be taking part in the University Cup with the Guelph Gryphons.

The Dinos play the Gryphons in the first match of this year's tournament. The Varsity Reds take on the Windsor Lancers tonight.

The semifinals and final of the University Cup will air live on Sportsnet 360 this Saturday and Sunday.

Photo: Marc Henwood/Station Nation