The V-Reds announced on Monday that
defenseman Matt Murphy and forward Oliver Cooper have both stated their
intentions to play for the team. QMJHL veteran Mark Simpson also signed with UNB – a squad that is losing just three players to graduation.
Murphy, acquired by Saint John from the
Quebec Remparts mid-season, posted eight goals and 21 assists in 37 games with
the Sea Dogs. He added four goals and five assists in 17 playoff games.
“He’s close to being able to step in at
a top-notch pro level,” said Varsity Reds head coach Gardiner MacDougall in a
release. “A lot of times, defence mature a little bit later than forwards, so I
think what he’s going to bring is top-notch skills. He’s a great person, and I
think he’s going to be fit, challenge among our top fitness guys.”
As now made official by UNB, Matt Murphy will be a Varsity Red next season. pic.twitter.com/CMMHeJuQrd— Victor Findlay (@Finder_24) August 15, 2016
Cooper played with Saint John for three
seasons – 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14 – before being traded to the
Charlottetown Islanders, where he spent the final years of his junior career.
As an overage player last season, Cooper
recorded 24 goals and 25 assists in 61 games. He added six goals and three
assists in 12 playoff games.
“He played in Saint John when they were
a powerhouse, and had an opportunity to go over to PEI and help start their
build,” said MacDougall. “Last year, he was their team captain, so I think he
brings a lot of leadership.”
The UNB Varsity Reds have recruited forward Oliver Cooper for 2016-17 pic.twitter.com/osqUqecmSq— Victor Findlay (@Finder_24) August 15, 2016
Murphy and Cooper, both Fredericton
natives, plan on studying business.
The Varsity Reds are the reigning CIS
University Cup champions and will host the national tournament in 2017 and
2018.
Last year’s UNB squad featured former Sea Dogs forwards Stephen Anderson and Mike Thomas.
Last year’s UNB squad featured former Sea Dogs forwards Stephen Anderson and Mike Thomas.
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