Two Sault hockey stars help power historic season for university team

After winning a national championship in his first year, it’s hard to imagine year two going much better.

For Sault Ste. Marie’s Cole MacKay, his second season playing with the University of New Brunswick has seen plenty of big moments already — including a perfect 30-0 record and the longest regular season winning streak in the history of Canadian university men's hockey.

The former Soo Greyhounds forward has been a key part of the UNB program — along with fellow Saultite Camaryn Baber — as it works toward a potential national championship repeat.

MacKay spoke to SooToday about his team's historic season. Our interview with Baber will appear soon.

MacKay said there has been a comfort level in his second year at UNB when it comes to managing his schooling while also being on the ice.

“Anything you do for the first time is an adjustment,” MacKay said. “Last year was definitely an adjustment going back to school full time taking five classes and practicing and playing games just like I was in the Soo. This year, I knew what I was getting into. What worked and what didn’t work. I kind of plan out my weeks that way. Time management has been a huge thing for me.”

“You learn from your mistakes,” MacKay added. “You learn from what worked and what didn’t from the year before.”

A business major, MacKay said his second year in the classroom has led to some more advanced work, but he’s relied on his experience from last year to help him through.

On the ice, MacKay’s offensive numbers took a step up from his first season with the Reds and the Sault product said the improvement is a result similar to what has worked in the classroom for him.

“Coming back, you’re more comfortable in the situation,” MacKay said. “You know where you fit in. You know your role. On our team, we have four first lines and we pretty much play four lines all the time. You get accustomed to different linemates. We’re a pretty big returning group this year, so we’re all pretty comfortable with each other. That was a big factor in just being a little bit more comfortable and knowing what Coach Gardiner expects out of us every night and knowing I’m in good enough shape to get it done every night and just sticking to my game.”

His first two seasons with UNB have also meant a chance to play with a very familiar face from home as Camaryn Baber is also a member of the Reds.

Getting to share the experience at UNB with a familiar face from home has made the ride that much better.

“It’s a lot of fun just having a face from home,” MacKay said. “We don’t get too many visits from family as it’s so far. Having that guy that I grew up with, went to elementary school with, minor hockey, the whole deal. It’s nice to have him around. We share a lot of laughs at the rink every day, whatever it may be. A story from when we were in Grade 3 or a story when we won a game in minor pee wee in the Sault and we’re still making memories out here, which is the best part of it.”

The Reds are currently in the midst of the opening round of the Atlantic University Sport playoff, but what’s been most impressive about the Reds was an unbeaten regular season record of 30-0.

“We’re just enjoying the process and we push each other every single day,” MacKay said about the run to an unbeaten regular season. “That’s where the most fun is in seeing the process be successful over and over again.”