1984 AUAA Championship Hockey Team returns to UNB.

    It’s been 25 years since the 1983-84 UNB Red Devils won the Atlantic Universities Athletic Association (AUAA) hockey championship and the team is now planning to return to the Aitken Centre for a weekend reunion December 4-6, 2009.

Reunion coordinator and former player Mark Welton has confirmed that 20 players and coaches will return from across Canada and the United States to gather for the event.  The Minto, NB, native returns home each summer to visit his family and both of his boys have attended UNB hockey camps which his family love and consider it the best hockey program in the country.

Both of the 1983-84 coaches, head coach Don MacAdam and assistant Tom Coolen, will be a part of the festivities.  The only two players not returning are George Kelly and of course Mark Jeffrey who passed away in 1991.

“There is a real enthusiasm with all of us to come back and not only to renew our friendships but also to be a part of the UNB Varsity Reds program that Gardiner has put together.  We are all very proud each spring to be former UNB hockey players watching our school win multiple Canadian championships,” commented Welton.

Welton played three years for the Red Devils who set a new team record in the spring of 1984 in regular season play with an overall record of 21-3-0. Welton contribution included 10 goals and 15 assists in the 24 games and later added an additional goal in championship play.

“I am excited to see everyone and to reconnect with the UNB hockey program and the people of Fredericton,” continued Welton.  “We are also hoping to see the Jeffrey family.  Mark was a big part of our team and represented our heart and soul and we will always remember him.”

The 1983-84 team will be introduced and take part in the ceremonial puck drop on December 4^th as UNB host UPEI December 4th.  A busy weekend is in store for the returnees including two UNB hockey games, an alumni game, a reception and dinner, as well as a special gathering to meet the 2009-10 edition and defending National Champions the UNB Varsity Reds.

Complete reunion schedule:

Friday, December 4, 2009

5:00 p.m.          983-84 Players and Coaches Reception (Colter Room)

6:40 p.m.          UNB Reds vs. UPEI

(Players introduced, ceremony puck drop)

10:30 p.m.         Introduction of 2009 / 2010 Hockey Reds (Colter Room)

Saturday, December 5, 2009

11:00 a.m.         2009/2010 Reds/Alumni Game –Location TBA

2:00 p.m.          Reds/Alumni Lunch-Varsity Reds dressing room in the AUC

7:00 p.m.          1983-84 Team Steak Dinner (Hilltop-please confirm numbers)

Sunday, December 6, 2009

4:00 p.m.          Option - Macadam’s Maineiacs vs. Kelly’s Sea Dogs (QMJHL A in Saint John)

5:00 p.m.          Potiental UNB Varsity Reds vs. Saint Mary’s Huskies (make-up game)                  Aitken University Centre

Mark Welton can be reached at: MWelton@imax.com  905 403 6254