The UNB REDS keep on truckin'. The team posted the first perfect 30-0 season in USports history and swept their AUS semi-final vs Saint Mary's. "UNB Hockey has been such a great program in USports for quite some time now and to be a part of it for the last 10 years is incredible," said former Windsor Spitfires forward Rob Hennigar.
"This season has been special and to go undefeated in the competitive AUS is an unbelievable
accomplishment for all involved, especially the players. Obviously when you start the season its not a goal or something you think about, so to be a part of history is certainly something we don’t take for granted.
UNB plays Moncton in the AUS final starting Saturday night and have already qualified for the USports national championship where they'll have a chance to defend their title.
Hennigar is in his tenth year as associate coach with the Reds and has won four national titles (2023, 2019, 2017 and 2016) with the program. He played for REDS and was team MVP all four years and was named UNB's male athlete of the year twice.
"I am extremely fortunate to still be involved in the game," Hennigar said. "I love coaching and being around the student - athletes at UNB, it's a special program and something I don’t take for granted. Working beside Head Coach Gardiner MacDougall who’s a potential hockey hall of famer has been such a great learning experience and
something I am grateful for."
Hennigar played his OHL in Windsor between 2000 and 2004 and led the team in scoring during final season with 32 goals and 79 points. After four years at UNB he played professionally in the AHL, ECHL and Europe.
Now 40, Hennigar recalls the fond memories of his time in the Rose City. "The one I think of the most is out conference final run in 02-03. We had a very good team and I remember the old Windsor arena being such a great place to play, it was truly home ice advantage. Unfortunately, we ran into a tough Erie team but that playoff run is one I won’t forget."
He also recounts a special moment in 2001 when one of his teammates joined an elite club. "I remember Steve Ott scoring 50 on a penalty shot in the last game of the season which was neat to be a part of among many other fond memories I have of Windsor, our fans and the teammates I played with."
Hennigar is still in touch with some of his former Spits teammates. "My captain in
Windsor was Craig Mahon and he was a major reason why I came to UNB. John-Scott Dickson and David Bowman also joined me at UNB and we won a National Championship together. I am close with all those guys and still talk to my former roommate and linemate Craig Kennedy as well.