Gagne Chooses Reds
5-year QMJHL blue-liner joining UNB men's hockey
(FREDERICTON, NB) Benjamin Gagne is adding his name to the list of former Saint John Sea Dogs to become UNB Reds.
The 20-year-old defenceman, coming off a brilliant five-year career in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent and will join the Reds men’s hockey team ahead of the 2019-2020 Atlantic University Sport season.
“The winning culture and the great history are what appealed to me,” said Gagne. “The fact that I could once again play with one of my best friends is also a big bonus.”
Gagne played parts of three QMJHL seasons with current Reds forward Matthew Boucher as a member of both the Drummondville Voltigeurs and Quebec Remparts. The two also played together at the bantam, pee wee and midget levels.
In 299 regular season QMJHL games with Drummondville, Quebec, and Saint John, Gagne scored 28 goals and added 77 assists.
“Ben had a great QMJHL career, which included him being captain in his home town of Quebec City with the Remparts,” said Reds head coach Gardiner MacDougall. “In his overage season, he brought leadership and experience to a very young Saint John team.”
“He has great skating skills and passing abilities which will be an asset to our puck possession game, and he’s very enthusiastic about joining the UNB program,” said MacDougall.
Despite only being with the Sea Dogs for half a season, he earned the team’s Fan’s Choice Award at their year-end banquet.
“I think it's important for the Reds that players want to continue the winning culture and try to make history,” said Gagne. “I’m willing to do anything to help the team win and earn more championships.”
Gagne says a short-term goal of his is to help the Reds to another national championship. Long-term, he wants to improve as an athlete and person, and has designs on signing a pro contract.
He’ll study Civil Engineering while attending UNB.