MacDougall retires from UNB; expected to join Wildcats

Michael Hawkins/Saint John Sea Dogs

Gardiner MacDougall announced his retirement from the UNB Reds on Tuesday evening.

MacDougall, who has been the head coach of UNB since the 2000-01 season and leaves with nine national championships, is expected to be named the new head coach of the Moncton Wildcats on Wednesday.

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Gardiner MacDougall announces his retirement from UNB.

Thank you, Coach.#goredsgo pic.twitter.com/HnExqJZgiA

— UNB Reds (@UNBAthletics) May 14, 2024

MacDougall leaves UNB as one of the greatest coaches in Canadian university hockey history, turning the Reds into a national powerhouse. He leaves the program on top having won back-to-back national titles and not losing a single game this past season.

There are plenty of questions about the future of the Reds program, but the future of MacDougall appears to be known.

According to sources and several reports, MacDougall will be named the new head coach of the Wildcats at a news conference on Wednesday while his son, former QMJHL and UNB player Taylor MacDougall, will take the reins as general manager.

QMJHL News - Sounds like UNB's Gardiner McDougall will be the next head coach of the Moncton Wildcats, with his son Taylor MacDougall taking over the GM position. Taylor, who is considered a major up-and-comer, had been working as an agent with Roy Sports Group.

— Jeff Marek (@JeffMarek) May 14, 2024

The duo will replace coach Dan Lacroix (fired soon after Moncton was eliminated from the playoffs) and director of hockey operations Ritchie Thibeau (who took a new position within the JD Irving company). 

Gardiner MacDougall has limited coaching experience at the major junior level but he's certainly been successful. He led the Saint John Sea Dogs to the 2022 Memorial Cup and recently won gold with Team Canada's under-18 team.

Taylor MacDougall will be a first time QMJHL general manager but is familiar with the league and its players having been an agent over the past few years.

The expectations for this duo – with a wealthy owner and one of the best facilities in junior hockey – will be through the roof. They join the Wildcats as the team hits the upswing of their cycle.

The MacDougalls will be put to the test quickly with the QMJHL Entry Draft taking place June 7-8 – at Moncton's Avenir Centre.