brunswickansports Reds Future Faces: Nick MacNeil
Christopher Cameron Sports Editor The only first-year player to find himself on the UNB men’s hockey roster this season is Creignish, Nova Scotia native Nick MacNeil. MacNeil, a former player for the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles, comes to UNB looking to continue his education in the faculty of business after beginning his education at CBU while playing in the QMJHL. He discusses with The Brunswickan how he ended up at UNB and some of the top moments thus far in his hockey career. Brunswickan: What brought you to UNB? Nick MacNeil: I really wanted to win a championship. That is probably the main reason I came here. UNB has had a great program in the past and with the nationals coming up at UNB I figured it was the best opportunity I could get to win a championship. B: Were there many schools that were looking to recruit you? NM: There were quite a few in the AUS. StFX and Saint Mary’s were high on my list too, but the nationals really played a part in it. I was not sure if I would play a lot here. I had a pro tryout too so I wasn’t sure what I was going to do so I decided to come to UNB if things did not work out pro.
B: What adjustment does it take to become a student athlete as opposed to just focusing on hockey? NM: In junior I was still a student. I went to CBU where I was only part-time, but now that I’m here it is a big adjustment. You have to go to classes all day, then practice, then sometimes at night even if you’re tired you have to force yourself to study. It’s been an adjustment, but it’s been working out well. B: What assets do you bring to the team both on and off the ice? NM: I try to bring leadership on and off the ice. I am one of the few rookies this year so luckily I’m fitting in well with the team. I’m just trying to be a better player and on the ice I’m going to bring a two way game and use my size and try to be an impact player on the team. B: How did you get started in hockey? NM: I started when I was five. Around the same time I started baseball too. Growing up it was hockey in the winter, baseball in the summer. When I was about 15 I really had to make a choice, either baseball or play hockey. I decided to play hockey and it’s been a journey so far. B: What are the major moments in your career that have stood out for you? NM: Last year I got to wear the ‘C’ in Cape Breton, which was a tremendous honour. I would say the pro camp I went to this year in St. Louis was an unbelievable experience. I hope I can go back there again some day because it was an awesome experience. B: What is main moment that has stood out for you this year at UNB? NM: I would have to say the winning aspect of the team. We had a few road trips down to the States and we have a great group guys. I think it has just been a great experience this year and nothing has really stood out aside from the great atmosphere with the team.
Jan. 12, 2011 • Issue 15 • Volume 144 • 15
Corby leads Reds over Sea-Hawks Christopher Cameron Sports Editor After a month away from AUS play, the Varsity Reds women’s basketball team was in Newfoundland for one of their toughest road trips of the season. Ranked number one in the AUS going into the weekend, it would take some strong play to hold off CBU from taking over top spot. On Saturday Leah Corby helped lead the team over the Sea-Hawks with 24 points in the huge 94-65 win. After splitting at home against the SeaHawks last semester, a split on the road would not have been a huge disappointment for the team, but the Varsity Reds were not satisfied with that thought. After Memorial opened up a ten-point lead in the second quarter, UNB battled back to within one, down 46-45 going into half. A strong second half won it for the Varsity Reds, in particular a huge fourth quarter, scoring 30 points to sweep the weekend with a 94-78 win. Leah Corby led the team in scoring again with 19 points and three rebounds. Head coach Jeff Speedy is pleased with the sweep over the weekend, especially after splitting at home last time against Memorial. “It was definitely a good confidence builder for sure. Anytime you win over there it’s great,” said Speedy. “To get two that’s better than great, whatever that is. I’m happy with the big picture, but more happy with Sunday’s win.” Speedy was impressed with his team’s composure in Sunday’s game. “I was definitely pleased with the second win on Sunday, just because the mentality over there is kind of to split,” he said. “Since we won the first night a lot of people could have understood how
The UNB women’s basketball team held onto top spot in the AUS over the weeekend as they swept the Memorial Sea-Hawks on the road.They are at home this weekend hosting SMU on Friday. Andrew Meade / The Brunswickan we could have lost the second day. We feel behind by ten in the second quarter on Sunday, but clawed our way back in by halftime and then played a great second half.” Although Claire Colborne and Amanda Sharpe have been two of the main players discussed, Speedy gives credit to some players that have been huge for the team even though they may have become slightly unnoticed. “I think we’re getting some very good play from our starting point guard that goes a little unnoticed as she’s not one of our top scorers and that is Megan Corby,” he said. “I think Jordanne Holstein and Laura Fowler have a role to come in off the bench and provide some defence and rebounding and a little bit of scoring. I think they’re both doing a good job fulfilling that role.” “I think everyone looks at our scorers
and sees we have three in top six or seven in the league and those three are doing fantastic for sure, but I think the three I just mentioned are going unnoticed and doing some good things for us.” With the team firing on all cylinders, they will take on the Saint Mary’s Huskies, a team they have yet to face this season. Speedy is glad they only have one team to focus on this weekend before the schedule gets tough in the next few weeks. “The big focus right now is this week’s practice and we’ll focus all week on Saint Mary’s. It’s nice to only have one opponent to prepare for like we will in many weekends down the road. We’re looking forward to having our first home game in a long while on Friday and are not looking past that at all.” The Huskies will be in town for a 6 p.m. start Friday at the LB Gym.
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