Soo boys off to UNB
One of the very best Canadian university programs has finalized the recruitment of a pair of high end Sault Ste. Marie products who are also Ontario Hockey League graduates and young men of exceptional character.
They are 2001 birth year forwards Camaryn Baber and Cole MacKay. Both are coming off of better than average OHL careers and will use their education packages to attend the University of New Brunswick and play for the Reds effective the 2022-2023 school season.
“Camaryn is a fierce competitor and knows what it takes to win games”, said UNB associate coach Rob Hennigar. “He is a player who knows how to play the game the right way and chip in all over the ice.
“He was the captain in Saginaw and is a respected veteran. London traded for him at the OHL deadline to bring energy and leadership and those are just a few of the things that we love about Cam,” Hennigar added.
Baber played three and a half seasons with the OHL’s Saginaw Spirit before being traded to the London Knights this past season. In 181 regular season games, Baber scored 35 goals and added 54 assists for 89 points. Prior to playing in the OHL, Baber starred for the Soo Jr. Greyhounds of the Great North Under 18 Hockey League and the Soo Thunderbirds of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League.
Baber was recruited by a number of Canadian university programs before choosing to go to UNB.
“What set UNB apart from other options was the culture and how important winning is,” said Baber. “The program’s success and their excitement for the future really got my attention.”
He noted what he will bring to UNB as a hockey player.
“I feel like I will contribute by winning faceoffs, helping out offensively and being most confident in the defensive zone,” relayed Baber.
The 5-foot-11, 190 pound centre will study Business while attending UNB.
As for MacKay, he is coming off of four full seasons of OHL hockey with his hometown Soo Greyhounds.
“Cole is coming off an incredible major junior career with a great organization in the Soo”, said aforementioned UNB associate coach Rob Hennigar.
“Cole’s consistency is highlighted with almost a point per game pace over his OHL career,” added Hennigar. “He plays in all situations and will be a key contributor to our success in the future. He is also an outstanding student.”
MacKay, who skated in 232 regular season games for the Greyhounds and recorded 85 goals and 116 assists for 201 points, lauded the UNB program and its successes.
“The hockey program at UNB is second to none,” said MacKay. “From winning national championships to graduating players to professional hockey, there was no better fit for me.”
The 5-foot-11, 185 pound MacKay emphasized that UNB was the clear choice among his options.
“I consider myself a two way winger who can contribute offensively when we need a goal and someone who can be trusted defensively,” he said of what he intends to bring to UNB. “I pride myself on my work ethic and I can’t wait to contribute everything I can to this team.”
MacKay plans to study Business while attending UNB in the fall.