DMan Daigle Joining REDS

(FREDERICTON, NB) The UNB REDS, eight-time defending Atlantic University Sport men’s hockey champions, are adding defenceman Xavier Daigle to their recruiting class of 2026.

The 21-year-old, from Levis, Quebec, has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent, and will join the REDS ahead of the 2026-2027 AUS season.

“Xavier comes highly recommended as a player and a person,” said REDS’ head coach Rob Henniger. “He’s played more than 250 Canadian Hockey League games, and we see him having a big role within our group.”

Daigle recently finished a five-year major junior career that saw him spend time with the Cape Breton Eagles, Chicoutimi Saugeneens, and Val d’Or Foreurs.

He played in 257 regular season games, more than 200 of those with the Eagles, scoring 22 goals and 75 assists.

“It means a lot to me to be joining a program with such a strong history and culture,” said Daigle. “Over the years, UNB has built one of the best hockey programs in the country and being able to become part of the family is something I’m really looking forward to.”

The 6’1” blueliner describes himself as a two-way player with a good hockey IQ, and someone who is competitive and can be used in any situation.

“I think Coach Hennigar values my work ethic and experience,” he said. “I believe he sees me as someone who can contribute to winning championships.”

“He can make plays at both ends of the rink and we’re excited to see him grow in our system,” said Hennigar. “We’re thrilled to land Xavier and think he can be a key contributor for years to come.”

Daigle says he considered numerous options before landing on his commitment to the REDS.

“What set UNB apart was the winning culture and the coaching staff,” he said. “In my head, it was clear that UNB was the best place for me to continue developing as a hockey player and as a person.”

Daigle joins former Cape Breton teammates Angelo Fullerton and Luke Patterson in the REDS’ recruiting class of 2026.

“We talked a little bit about the possibility,” he admits. “Having familiar faces coming in together will make the transition easier.”

Daigle says adjusting to the U SPORTS level quickly and contributing to the team’s success are among his short-term goals. Long-term, he’s focused on earning a Business Administration degree and winning championships.

STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB REDS

PHOTO: Shane Wilkie/for Cape Breton Eagles