The cancellation of the the 2020-2021 U Sports men's hockey season continues to decimate the roster of the three time defending AUS Champions as fourth year defencemen Tristan Pomerleau and Olivier LeBlanc, as well as fourth year forward - and team captain - Kris Bennett have become the latest Reds to join the professional ranks.
It was announced last week that Pomerleau has signed an ATO (amateur try-out) with the Laval Rocket, the AHL affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens. That was followed on Saturday with the news that Bennett has signed an ATO with the AHL's Stockton Heat (Calgary), where he will join former teammate Mark Simpson and Alberta Golden Bear Luke Philp. The trifecta was completed today as LeBlanc signed an ATO with the Belleville Senators (Ottawa), joining a franchise that has featured ex-Reds Alex Dubeau, Chris Clapperton, Jordan Murray, and Matt Petgrave in recent years.
For those scoring at home, out of the 20 players who played in game three of the AUS Final, 11 have now moved on. Forwards Patrick Watling, Stephen Anderson, Mark Simpson, Ben Hawerchuk, Matthew Boucher, goaltender Samuel Harvey, and defencemen Matt Murphy and Marcus McIvor have all signed professional contracts in the last 12 months.
Congrats to @Pomerleau8 on signing with the @RocketLaval of the @TheAHL.
— UNB Men’s Hockey (@UNBMHockey) March 8, 2021
4 excellent seasons at UNB and the unsung hero of the d-core!
We are cheering you on from UNB. Thanks for the dedication and commitment to the program.
We will miss you!! https://t.co/8LfsFFqcoz
Huge congrats to our captain @krisbennett12 who has signed with the @AHLHeat of @TheAHL.
— UNB Men’s Hockey (@UNBMHockey) March 13, 2021
We’ll miss you Benny, your hard work, pro habits, & dedication has made our program better.
Thanks for a great 4 years. We are proud of you and look forward to following your pro career! https://t.co/t1jrGSaofA pic.twitter.com/gU8JwFjzb2
Huge congrats to @3LeBlanc on signing with the @BellevilleSens of the @TheAHL
— UNB Men’s Hockey (@UNBMHockey) March 15, 2021
What a terrific 4 years Oli! Your hard work, sacrifice and leadership has made UNB Hockey better.
All the best, we can’t wait to watch your pro career! https://t.co/t2XaqYYQyZ pic.twitter.com/z9m0mhmiFj
