Men’s hockey team to enter the post-season with a perfect record

Published on March 01, 2016

Historic finish a first since 1984-85; Ooks earn a bye into the semifinals

The NAIT Ooks men’s hockey team will enter the post-season with a run that rivals the legendary, undefeated 1984-85 team. For only the second time in the club’s 51-year existence, the Ooks men’s hockey squad has achieved a perfect regular season.

The Ooks defeated Briercrest College in back-to-back games Friday and Saturday, ending the 2015-16 regular Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) season a flawless 32-0. The team gets an automatic bye into the ACAC semifinals, which is a best-of-three series.

Prior to the start of the regular season, the Ooks defeated the University of Alberta Golden Bears and University of British Columbia en route to winning the Golden Bears Invitational Tournament.

The last time a NAIT hockey team recorded a perfect season was 1984-85, when the powerhouse men’s squad didn’t lose a single game in the regular and post-seasons – a first for an Alberta team – becoming the ACAC and Canadian Colleges Athletic Association champions. They were inducted into the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame in 2012 for the achievement. The regular season was much shorter in 84-85, with 25 games compared to the current 32.

QUOTES

Mike Gabinet, head coach, NAIT Ooks men’s hockey team 
“I’m very proud of our team and program for this amazing accomplishment. To be only the second team to do this in 51 years is something pretty special. We will enjoy this and celebrate it this weekend and then we are back to work to start preparing for the postseason."

Linda Henderson, director, NAIT Athletics 
“This year’s men’s hockey team is an outstanding group of student-athletes. They work hard every day, both on the ice and in the classroom. They are an incredibly talented team who believe in each other and who know what it takes to be successful. I am very proud of all of their accomplishments.”

LEARN MORE 

NAIT Athletics

About NAIT

The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) is a leading Canadian polytechnic, delivering education in science, technology and the environment; business; health and trades. With nearly 60,000 credit and non-credit students and a 95 per cent employer satisfaction rate, NAIT grads are essential to Alberta’s prosperity. Known for hands-on, technology-based learning, NAIT engages with business and industry in applied research and innovation and provides corporate training around the world. Recognized as one of Alberta’s top employers, NAIT provides outstanding returns on investment for its graduates, partners, the provincial government and the people of Alberta.


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