REDS capture first national medal with 2-1 win over Guelph

(ELMIRA, Ont.) The UNB REDS beat the University of Guelph Gryphons 2-1 to win the bronze medal at the U SPORTS Women's Hockey Championship, Sunday afternoon in Elmira, Ontario.

The No. 4 seeded REDS scored twice in the opening period and then held the Gryphons at arm's length over the final two periods to claim the first national championship tournament medal in program history.

UNB's Katelyn Scott opened the scoring just 2:35 into the first period when she stole the puck from a Gryphon at the side of the net and lifted a forehand over the left shoulder of Guelph goalie Martina Fedel.

Katherine Heard's shorthanded goal at 10:02 pulled the Gryphons even, but the REDS responded two minutes later.

As the Gryphons returned to full strength following a REDS powerplay, Avery Thurston fired a wrist shot through traffic that snuck between Fedel and the post.

UNB took the 2-1 lead to the first intermission.

Through the second and third periods, defence and goaltending prevailed.

Fedel gave up the two UNB goals on 18 REDS shots while Cassie McCallum made 28 saves on 29 shots in the UNB victory.

This 2026 tournament was the fifth consecutive U SPORTS championship tournament appearance for UNB.

The REDS will host the national championship in 2027.

STORY BY: Andy Campbell/UNB REDS
PHOTO BY: University of Waterloo Athletics