Former Peterborough Pete Emmett Sproule joining University of New Brunswick Reds
The University of New Brunswick Reds men’s ice hockey team has signed former Peterborough Petes forward Emmett Sproule.
The 21-year-old has signed a letter of intent from USports and joins the Reds for the remainder of the 2022-23 Atlantic University Sport season.
“Emmett had a breakout season as a 20-year-old and was among the best, dynamic players in the OHL,” Reds head coach Gardiner MacDougall said in a press release.
“He has the ability to make quality plays out of haste, has great offensive instincts and a real passion for the game and for getting better.”
Sproule played more than 250 regular-season OHL games with the Erie Otters and Petes. In 2021-22, Sproule recorded career bests with the Petes with 30 goals and 56 assists, ranking among the OHL’s leading scorers.
“I’m a positive person who can bring a good level of aggression to the table,” said Sproule, who has family connections in Fredericton.
“I have the ability to see my teammates, have good vision on the ice and I think I have a nose to find the back of the net. Last year in Peterborough we had great chemistry on our power play and I learned a lot from taking penalties.
Earlier this year, after attending NHL training camp for the Buffalo Sabers and the Sabers’ American Hockey League, the Rochester Americans, Sproule joined the Cincinnati Cyclones of the East Coast Hockey League, where he recorded three assists in four games .
“I’ve decided it’s not for me,” he said. “I think it’s better for me to develop here at UNB and push my game from here.”
“Everything about this organization is pro-kind,” Sproule said. “They treat everyone with respect and take so many to the next level. I could never have said no to that. The guys welcomed me and I’m looking forward to getting started.”
“It gets harder to score in the AUS in the second half and we think Emmett can improve that part of the game for us,” MacDougall said. “He has a lot of energy on the ice and our fans will enjoy his plays and his positive contribution to our continued success.”
Sproule says his development improved after a short stint with the Reds.
“It was great practicing with these guys. High intensity, very different from the level I was at right now. The practice here is much more intense and everyone is competitive and comes here to get better and brings a work ethic that is unreal.”
Sproule is expected to make his Reds debut on January 6th.
