The winningest coach in U Sports men’s hockey history will return to Fredericton later in August.
Gardiner MacDougall spent 24 seasons behind the bench with the UNB Varsity Reds.
In that time he won 490 games and nine national titles.
Now he’s returning for the first time, but in a different role.
MacDougall will coach the Moncton Wildcats in an exhibition game at the Aitken University Centre against their top rivals, the Saint John Sea Dogs.
“I’ve had so many positive, lifetime moments at the Aitken Centre, it’s very special to get to return and coach what’s becoming an annual game there,” said MacDougall.
Since stepping behind the bench in Moncton, MacDougall has continued his success.
The Wildcats have won more than 50 games in his two seasons, won the league championship in his first year and going to seven games in this past season’s final.
MacDougall, of course, also has a connection with the Sea Dogs.
In 2022, when the Sea Dogs were hosting the Memorial Cup, the team was upset in the first round of the QMJHL playoffs.
Coach Gordie Dwyer was fired, and the Sea Dogs made the bold decision to bring MacDougall in for the Memorial Cup tournament.
The rest is history, as MacDougall led the Sea Dogs to their second Memorial Cup title on home ice.
UNB is excited to welcome MacDougall back to town.
“Having Coach MacDougall back in the Aitken Centre will be great,” said Nick Zildjan, the assistant director, REDS marketing and communications.
“His legacy here is set and Fredericton-area hockey fans will jump at the chance to see him behind an Aitken Centre bench once again.”
The game is set for Aug. 28 at 7 p.m.
