Dove-McFalls Named REDS Captain
(FREDERICTON, NB) Samuel Dove-McFalls (Montreal, QC) has been named captain of the UNB REDS men’s hockey team for the 2021-2022 Atlantic University Sport season.
“It’s a huge honour, and I consider myself lucky to have the opportunity to be a leader for this group of players,” said the veteran forward. “I can’t help but be excited for what is to come when I look at my teammates around the room.”
Dove-McFalls, in his fourth year with the REDS, will skate into his third season in 2021-22.
In 49 regular season games during his two seasons thus far, he’s scored 15 goals and 20 assists.
“Sam has outstanding leadership qualities and is very passionate about protecting and growing the traditions and culture of our program,” said REDS head coach Gardiner MacDougall. “He joins a distinguished group of special leaders, and will lead by his example both on and off the ice. He’s a three-time Academic All Canadian who finished his Kinesiology degree and is now pursuing his MBA in Sports Leadership. On the ice, he’s a two-way centre and one of the top face-off and penalty killers in the AUS.”
Dove-McFalls succeeds Kris Bennett, who served as the REDS captain during the pandemic-cancelled 2020-21 season. He also played with former captain Marcus McIvor.
“Kris and Marcus were two very different, but great captains,” he said. “Marcus always had the right words for our group and displayed great poise and calmness at all times. Kris led through his exemplary work ethic and drive on the ice. They both were great role models and everyone learned a lot from them.”
Tyler Boland (St. John’s, NL), Joe Gatenby (Kelowna, BC), Mark Rassell (Calgary, AB) and Rylan Parenteau (Saskatoon, SK) will join Dove-McFalls in the REDS’ leadership group, serving as assistant captains.
“Leadership is a responsibility shared by every member of the team, but we’re fortunate to have four key players who will be our assistant captains,” said MacDougall. “Mark has been a key offensive contributor for UNB, especially on the powerplay. He’s a fourth year MBA student, a three-time Academic All-Canadian and a former AUS All-Rookie Team member.”
“Joe has raised the standards for our program in academic performance and consistency,” said Coach MacDougall. “He’s a three-time Academic All-Canadian too. He’s an intense performer who’s excelled on special teams, and is among the top three in AUS in plus-minus since coming into the league.”
“Ty has been one of the top players in the country for the past three seasons and has improved each and every season,” said MacDougall. “He was the top U SPORTS scorer in 2019-20, a 1st Team All-Canadian and AUS All-Star. He’s a fifth year MBA student. He’s been UNB’s offensive catalyst since year one, and, we hope, will continue his progress in the coming season.”
While he can’t wear an ‘A’ on his uniform, veteran goaltender Parenteau will also be part of the leadership group.
“Rylan leads by example with his tremendous dedication and commitment to his on-ice performances and his academics,” said MacDougall. “He’s a four-time Academic All-Canadian, finishing his degree in Geo-Engineering. In 2019-20, Rylan was part of a REDS goaltending duo that had the lowest goals against average in the AUS, the third time he’s accomplished that in his REDS career.”
All five players have national championship pedigree and have helped the REDS to multiple Atlantic conference championships.
“I give my best in all aspects of life, whether it be on or off the ice, and I think it’s a trait that others appreciate about me,” said Dove-McFalls. “Along with Joe, Mark, Tyler and Rylan, I believe we form a strong leadership group that will be complemented well by the character guys we have on this team.”
The REDS open their 2021-22 Atlantic University Sport regular season on Wednesday night, when they host l’Université de Moncton Aigles Bleus.
PHOTO: James West/for UNB Athletics