CIS men’s hockey: UNB to host University Cup tournament in 2017 and 2018

OTTAWA (CIS) – Canadian Interuniversity Sport announced Friday that the University of New Brunswick has been selected as host of the CIS men's hockey championship in 2017 and 2018.

The University Cup national tournament has been held in Fredericton on four occasions in the past, each time with overwhelming success. Capacity crowds of over 3,500 fans filled UNB's Aitken University Centre during a two-year run in 2003 and 2004, and again in 2011 and 2012.

"The University of New Brunswick is honoured to be named host of the 2017 and 2018 CIS men's hockey University Cup," said John Richard, Director of Athletics. "This event will have a significant impact on our campus, our city and the entire region. We feel privileged that the CIS has entrusted us with this event and will put our very best effort forward to provide a memorable lifelong experience for all involved."

The UNB Varsity Reds, who moved to the top of the national rankings earlier this week, have been one of the two dominant programs in CIS men's hockey over the past decade, along with the Alberta Golden Bears. The two powerhouses have combined to win nine of the past 11 University Cup titles, including four UNB triumphs in 2007, 2009, 2011 (on home ice) and 2013.

Before their recent run of success under 16-year head coach Gardiner MacDougall, the V-Reds had also been crowned in 1998 under the guidance of Mike Kelly. MacDougall is a two-time CIS men's hockey coach of the year, including last season, and also received the CIS Jean-Marie De Koninck Coaching Excellence Award last June in recognition of his outstanding career.

Before returning to Fredericton in 2017, the U Cup tournament will be staged for the second straight year in Halifax this winter. The 2016 edition, hosted jointly by Saint Mary's University and St. Francis Xavier University, is scheduled for March 17 to 20 at the Scotiabank Centre.

Alberta is the two-time reigning CIS champion thanks to triumphs last March in Halifax and two years ago in Saskatoon.

NOTE: The exact dates for the 2017 and 2018 University Cup tournaments – which will be held in March - will be announced at a later date.

ALL-TIME UNIVERSITY CUP HOSTS (champions)

2018 University of New Brunswick
2017 University of New Brunswick
2016 StFX University & Saint Mary's University
2015 StFX University & Saint Mary's University (Alberta)
2014 University of Saskatchewan (Alberta)
2013 University of Saskatchewan (UNB)
2012 University of New Brunswick (McGill)
2011 University of New Brunswick (UNB)
2010 Lakehead University (Saint Mary's)
2009 Lakehead University (UNB)
2008 Université de Moncton (Alberta)
2007 Université de Moncton (UNB)
2006 University of Alberta (Alberta)
2005 University of Alberta (Alberta)
2004 University of New Brunswick (StFX)
2003 University of New Brunswick (UQTR)
2002 Guelph, Laurier & Waterloo (Western)
2001 Guelph, Laurier & Waterloo (UQTR)
2000 University of Saskatchewan (Alberta
1999 University of Saskatchewan (Alberta)
1998 University of Saskatchewan (UNB)
1997 CIS - Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto (Guelph)
1996 CIS - Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto (Acadia)
1995 CIS - Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto (Moncton)
1994 CIS - Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto (Lethbridge)
1993 CIS - Maple Leaf Gardens, Toronto (Acadia)
1992 University of Toronto (Alberta)
1991 University of Toronto (UQTR)
1990 University of Toronto (Moncton)
1989 University of Toronto (York)
1988 University of Toronto (York)
1987 University of Alberta (UQTR)
1986 University of Alberta (Alberta)
1985 University of Toronto (York)
1984 Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (Toronto)
1983 Université de Moncton (Saskatchewan)
1982 Université de Moncton (Moncton)
1981 University of Calgary (Moncton)
1980 University of Regina (Alberta)
1979 Concordia University (Alberta)
1978 Université de Moncton (Alberta)
1977 University of Alberta (Toronto)
1976 University of Toronto (Toronto)
1975 University of Alberta (Alberta)
1974 University of Toronto (Waterloo)
1973 University of Toronto (Toronto)
1972 Bishop's University & Université de Sherbrooke (Toronto)
1971 Laurentian University (Toronto)
1970 University of Prince Edward Island (Toronto)
1969 University of Alberta (Toronto)
1968 Sir George Williams, Loyola & Macdonald (Alberta)
1967 University of Calgary & University of Alberta (Toronto)
1966 Laurentian University (Toronto)
1965 University of Manitoba (Manitoba)
1964 Queen's University & RMC (Alberta)
1963 Queen's University & RMC (McMaster)