This week's tournament is poised to be the first University Cup held since 20119 due to COVID-19. The 2020 tournament was cancelled after the first day of action because of the original COVID sports shutdown (simpler times!).
The UNB Reds are looking to win their second straight national championship. The Reds defeated the Alberta Golden Bears in the 2019 final in Lethbridge - and there is certainly a good chance we could see that classic matchup in the gold medal game once again this year.
The Reds are led by captain Samuel Dove-McFalls, the former Sea Dogs forward who helped UNB win the 2019 University Cup in his freshman season. He recorded two goals and and an assist in the 2019 tournament.
Dove-McFalls is one of nine former Sea Dogs who are part of teams that qualified for the University Cup.
1. Alberta Golden Bears (CW champions): None2. UNB Reds (AUS champions): Samuel Dove-McFalls and Benjamin Gagne3. UQTR Patriotes (OUA champions): Julien Tessier4. Brock Badgers (OUA finalists): Olivier DesRoches5. StFX X-Men (AUS finalists): Bailey Webster, Will Thompson and Blade Mann-Dixon6. UBC Thunderbirds (CW finalists): None7. Ryerson Rams (OUA third-place): Kevin Gursoy8. Acadia Axemen (hosts): Nicholas Deakin-Poot
DesRoches did not play in any games with Brock this season but is still listed on their roster.
Declan Smith, a fourth-round pick of Saint John in the 2014 QMJHL Entry Draft who was later traded to Cape Breton, is part of the StFX roster. Nicolas Guay, meanwhile, spent the first half of the season with UNB before turning pro during this winter's COVID pause.
Acadia is coached by Darren Burns, the father of current Sea Dogs forward Brady Burns.
The tournament begins Thursday on the Acadia University campus with the first two quarterfinal games. The other quarterfinal contests will take place Friday; the semifinals will be held Saturday; and the gold and bronze medal matches on Sunday.
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