REDS Down Ridgebacks

(FREDERICTON, NB) Cole Mackay (Sault Ste. Marie, ON) had a goal and an assist to lead the UNB REDS in a 5-2 win over the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks on Friday, in U SPORTS non-conference play at UNB's Aitken Centre.

MacKay was named the Tim Horton's Player of the Game.

Cody Morgan (Gilford, ON) and Sam McGinley (Calgary, AB) each had two assists for the REDS, who made a winner of Rob Hennigar in his debut as UNB's head coach.

"To me, every win with this team is important, no matter what role I'm in," said Hennigar.

"Tonight was a great game and we will continue this momentum moving forward."

Before becoming head coach earlier this year, Hennigar served as the REDS' associate coach for ten season. He also played for seasons at UNB.

Ontario Tech opened the scoring on a goal by Andrew Suriyuth (Kingston, ON) 5:33 into the

first period. However, the visiting team's lead did not last long.

Just 13 seconds later, UNB newcomer Jax Dubois (Ottawa, ON) scored his first REDS goal, tying the game at 5:46.

"We had some of our returning players away at NHL camps, so it was great to see the younger players contribute tonight," said Hennigar.

Early in the second period, Michael Petizian (Mississauga, ON) put the REDS ahead with a goal at 3:59.

The REDS added to their lead in the second with goals from Benjamin Corbeil (Granby, QC), on the powerplay, MacKay who also scored with the man advantage.

Macauley Carson (Midhurst, ON) added a goal at 4:43 of the third period, while James White (Peterborough, ON) of Ontario Tech scored the final goal of the game with just 44 seconds remaining.

Ontario Tech skates back to action Saturday. They're in Halifax to take on the Saint Mary's Huskies. Game time is 4:00 pm.

The REDS are back in action Friday when they visit Toronto to take on the U of T Varsity Blues. Game time is 8:00 pm (ADT).

RECAP BY: Shelby MacIsaac/for UNB Athletics

PHOTOS BY: Madison Tucker/for UNB Athletics