Carruthers Coming Home
(FREDERICTON, NB) Leighton Carruthers is coming home.
The Fredericton-born left winger, a veteran of more than 240 Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League games, is the newest member of the UNB REDS’ men’s hockey team’s recruiting class of 2025.
He’s signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent and will join the REDS ahead of the 2025-2026 Atlantic University Sport season.
“Fredericton is home for me. I was born there, a couple of years before my family moved to Halifax,” said Carruthers. “And UNB has a reputation unlike any other school. They’ve had tremendous success on and off the ice, which is something I always strive for.”
Carruthers was the third overall pick in the 2020 QMJHL entry draft and spent the 2020-2021 season with the Saint John Sea Dogs.
He was traded to the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies in 2021 and played parts of four seasons there before finishing his junior career with the Flin Flon Bombers, of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.
“Any time you add a QMJHL third overall pick, and one with Leighton’s character and pedigree, you have to be excited,” said REDS’ head coach Rob Hennigar. “He’s a hard-working player who brings energy and consistency each game.”
In 247 QMJHL games, Carruthers scored 32 goals and added 22 assists.
“I bring good character, work ethic, and a positive attitude,” said Carruthers. “I’ve always been someone who can change the momentum for a team and keep things level-headed.”
Carruthers has played with or against several of his new teammates, including current REDS forwards Cole Huckins and Peter Reynolds, and fellow recruits Braeden MacPhee and Eli Barnett.
“They all had an impact on my decision considering they’re all reputable players, and I think that’s exactly what UNB men’s hockey is about,” he said.
“It’s special to have a local product come back and be able to play in front of family and friends,” said Coach Hennigar. “Leighton knows what UNB means to the city, and we can’t wait to get started with him.”
In joining the REDS, Carruthers will write a new chapter in his family’s sporting legacy at UNB.
His mother, Angela O’Leary (BBA’97) was a member of UNB’s women’s hockey and ringette teams.
“It’s part of my roots and I’m really excited to get there and get this ball rolling,” said Carruthers.
Carruthers will pursue a degree in Recreation and Sport Studies while attending UNB.
STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB Athletics
PHOTO BY: Jean Lapointe/Rouyn-Noranda Huskies