Forward James Transfers To REDS
(FREDERICTON, NB) The eight-time defending Atlantic University Sport men’s hockey champs, the UNB REDS, are adding veteran forward Sean James to their recruiting class of 2026.
The 23-year-old, from Almonte, Ontario, will join the REDS as a transfer ahead of the 2026-2027 AUS season.
“Sean is a big addition for our program, and we’re excited to have him join us,” said REDS’ head coach Rob Hennigar. “He brings pedigree and has the ability to help us right away.”
James spent the past three seasons with the now defunct Mercyhurst University Lakers, of the NCAA. In 71 regular season games with the Lakers, James scored 10 goals and 16 assists.
“After our program was cut at Mercyhurst, I knew that if I was to come back to Canada that UNB was where I wanted to be,” said James. “The history of both team success and their track record with moving players on to the next level speaks for itself. Coach Hennigar is specific with who he recruits so there’s not many players that get to say they were part of UNB Hockey. I’m honoured to be a part of something like this, and I’m extremely excited.”
Before joining the Lakers James played two full seasons and part of a third with the Smiths Falls Bears of the Central Canada Hockey League.
In 110 regular season games with the Bears, he scored 75 goals and 104 assists.
“I’m primarily an offensive minded player, however my three years in the NCAA have taught me to round out my game,” said James. “I think I make a lot of smart plays with the puck, and I like to create offense that way.”
“He’s a scorer who has scored at every level,” said Coach Hennigar. “He was keen and reached out to us about joining the UNB family. When you have players that want to be here and take time to reach out, you get excited. He’ll be a key piece for us.”
“I think Coach Hennigar wants me here because I’m an older player who he thinks will fit in and make an impact right away. I think he thinks my offensive style and playmaking abilities will fit in nicely with the way his team likes to play. I also think that he thinks I’m a player he can trust in lots of different situations because I’m an experienced older player.”
James, who has two years of U SPORTS eligibility remaining, will complete the degree program he started at Mercyhurst and plans on pursuing an Education degree afterwards.
“Obviously, what happened at Mercyhurst was very unfortunate, but I feel that transferring to UNB will be a huge blessing for me,” said James.
STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB REDS
PHOTO BY: Paul Barnick/NCAA Photos