Patterson Commits To REDS

(FREDERICTON, NB) The eight-time and defending Atlantic University Sport men’s hockey champions, the UNB REDS, continue to build a strong 2026 recruiting class, adding forward Luke Patterson.

The Moncton native has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent and will join the REDS ahead of the 2026-2027 AUS season.

“We’re thrilled to land Luke at UNB,” said REDS’ head coach Rob Hennigar. “As a player from New Brunswick, we’ve watched him for a while and think he’s an energy player with tremendous character. He’s someone who can help us at both ends of the ice.”

Patterson recently concluded an impressive five season major junior career.

A fourth-round draft pick of the Cape Breton Eagles in 2021, he spent four seasons with the Nova Scotia team, scoring 36 goals and 42 assists in 193 regular season games.

He was traded to Rimouski ahead of last season and had a career-best season as an overager, scoring 13 goals and 17 assists with the Oceanic.

“When I was presented with the chance to play in my home province, for a program of this calibre, the decision became clear,” said Patterson. “UNB has one of the most successful programs in the country, and the opportunity to play in my home province for the first time since minor hockey was a big factor.”

Patterson, who chose the REDS over other strong recruiting options, describes himself as a high-energy player who is reliable in all areas of the ice and difficult to play against.

“I take a great deal of pride in who I am and the character I’ve built,” he said. “I know Coach Hennigar places a strong emphasis on work ethic and creating a winning culture both on and off the ice. I believe I align well with those values, as they are the two qualities I consider most important for success.”

“He’s ultra-competitive and his desire to want to get better and be part of the UNB family makes him a big addition,” said Hennigar.

In joining the REDS, Patterson reunites with former Cape Breton teammate Angelo Fullerton, who has also committed to UNB.

“We’ve always talked about the opportunity to play together again, and more importantly, to win a championship as teammates,” he said. “With both of us being from New Brunswick and having UNB as an option, it was something we discussed a lot.”

Patterson says his goals include helping the REDS compete for a national championship every season, especially in 2028 when UNB plays host to the University Cup tournament.

Patterson will study Business while attending UNB.

STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB REDS

PHOTO: JamieLee Gouthro/Cape Breton Eagles