Goaltender Ruccia steals spotlight as McGill hockey claims Pete Kelly Cup with win over No.4 ranked UNB

FREDERICTON, N.B.— Freshman goaltender Nicolas Ruccia turned in a stellar performance as McGill pulled off a 2–1 upset over the No. 4 ranked UNB REDS to capture the Peterbilt Atlantic Pete Kelly Cup in a men's university hockey exhibition game, Saturday, before a crowd of 1,723 at the Aitken Centre.

It was the first game in more than a month for both teams following the December break for exams and holidays. The win marked just McGill's second victory in 16 lifetime meetings with UNB — and its first ever on REDS ice — since a 7–4 triumph at McConnell Arena in 1989. It was only the second time that UNB had lost the Cup in 20 years dating back to the inaugural one in 2005.

UNB outshot McGill 31–16, but Ruccia was outstanding, stopping 30 shots. The lone REDS goal was credited to Stuart Rolofs midway through the second period, though video replays clearly showed the puck striking the post before deflecting out. Video review is not used by on-ice officials in Canadian university hockey.

McGill erased the deficit in the third period. Mathieu Gagnon tied the game at 6:08 on the power play, converting passes from Mikisiw Awashish and William Rouleau. Just under three minutes later, defenceman Igor Mburanumwe scored the winner at 8:50, with Rouleau and Gagnon picking up assists.

Midway through the second, UNB made a goaltending change with backup Liam Sztuska taking over for starter Remi Delafontaine, who had saved all eight shots he faced. Sztuska conceded two goals on eight shots and took the loss over his 28 minutes and 11 seconds of play.

The Redbirds finished 1-for-6 on the power play, while the REDS went 0-for-4.

Ruccia and UNB captain Camaryn Baber were named Tim Hortons players of the game. With the victory, McGill improved to 12-9 overall, while UNB dropped to 16-8.

McGill is no stranger to the Aitken Centre or the Pete Kelly Cup. The Redbirds have previously competed in U Cup tournaments at the venue and captured their lone national men's hockey championship on the same ice in 2012. They last appeared in the Pete Kelly Cup in 2022, a September matchup won 5–2 by UNB. The trophy is named in honour of Pete Kelly, who served as UNB's director of athletics for 29 years and coached the varsity hockey program for 20 seasons.

McGill will wrap up its Maritime road trip Sunday against Moncton (15-7) at noon (Eastern) in a game streamed live on AUS-TV.