Gardiner MacDougall, the former head coach of the University of New Brunswick (UNB) Reds men’s hockey team, has been appointed as the new head coach of the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League’s Moncton Wildcats. MacDougall, who hails from Bedeque, P.E.I., recently led the UNB Reds to a historic undefeated season that culminated in winning the U Sports men’s hockey national championship. With nine national titles under his belt, MacDougall is tied for the most University Cup titles by a coach with the legendary Tom Watt. During his tenure with UNB, he achieved an impressive record of 732 wins, 232 losses, and 21 ties, with a .743 winning percentage. Additionally, MacDougall coached Canada’s U-18 men’s hockey team to a gold medal at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship in Finland.
Having spent 24 seasons at UNB, MacDougall has cemented his legacy as one of the most successful coaches in U Sports men’s hockey history. He led the team to a record 12 University Cup gold medal games and secured a dozen Atlantic University Sport championships, including the last six in a row. Under his guidance, UNB also won an astounding 16 consecutive Atlantic conference regular season titles. MacDougall’s ability to consistently lead his teams to victory has earned him recognition as one of the top coaches in Canadian university hockey. His vast experience and proven track record make him a valuable addition to the Moncton Wildcats coaching staff.
Despite his decision to step down from UNB, MacDougall’s passion for coaching remains strong as he quickly transitioned to his new role with the Moncton Wildcats. Commenting on his short retirement period, MacDougall humorously remarked at a press conference that his retirement lasted a mere 17 hours and 22 minutes, making it one of the shortest retirements in history. His dedication and enthusiasm for the game are evident in his swift return to coaching, eager to take on the new challenge of leading the Wildcats to success in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League.
In addition to his coaching achievements at the university level, MacDougall’s recent experience coaching Canada’s U-18 men’s hockey team demonstrates his versatility and leadership skills on the international stage. His successful campaign at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Championship resulted in a gold medal for Canada after defeating the United States with a score of 6-4 in the final. MacDougall’s ability to adapt to different coaching environments and guide teams to victory showcases his expertise in developing winning strategies and fostering a culture of excellence among his players.
As the new head coach of the Moncton Wildcats, MacDougall brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team, setting high expectations for their performance in the upcoming season. Known for his strategic acumen and ability to motivate players to reach their full potential, MacDougall’s leadership is expected to have a profound impact on the Wildcats’ success in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League. The transition from coaching at the university level to a junior hockey league presents a new set of challenges for MacDougall, but his proven track record and dedication to excellence make him well-equipped to navigate the transition and propel the Wildcats to new heights in the league. With his impressive coaching resume and passion for the game, MacDougall is poised to make a significant impact on the Moncton Wildcats and leave a lasting legacy in junior hockey.
