Ideas with Impact
UNB Faculty of Management

Austen Keating, forward player on the University of New Brunswick’s (UNB) Red’s Men’s Hockey team, had a stellar year at UNB. In addition to his team capturing the U Sports men's hockey national championship, Keating received two of the highest accolades for university hockey players: the Mark Jeffrey Memorial Merit Award and the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) Most Valuable Player (MVP).

The Mark Jeffrey Memorial Merit Award is named after a former player for the UNB Red Devils from 1981 to 1982 and from 1983 to 1986. Jeffrey was renowned for his aggressive style of play and deft scoring touch. In 1984, he led the team to its first AUAA Championship in twenty years. This award is presented to an outstanding player at the annual Mark Jeffrey Memorial Game, celebrating Jeffrey’s enduring legacy at UNB.

The AUS MVP award is a prestigious recognition, chosen by the conference's seven head coaches following the regular season. It highlights the exceptional talent and leadership demonstrated by the recipient throughout the season.

Keating's journey began in Guelph, Ontario, where he started skating at the age of four. "I quickly found a second home at the nearby hockey arena," Keating recalls. His passion for hockey and academics led him to choose UNB, attracted by its elite hockey program and strong faculty of management. “I saw UNB as the perfect opportunity to pursue my academics in business while continuing to compete at a high level in hockey, allowing me to balance my passion for the sport with my academic ambitions,” he explains.

Keating speaks fondly of his team, describing it as “one of the closest teams that I have ever been a part of. We are bonded together by our love for the game and with the goal of achieving success on and off the ice.”

Keating’s recognition with the Mark Jeffrey Award came as a pleasant surprise. He didn’t know he was receiving the award until it was announced prior to the 32nd annual Mark Jeffrey Memorial Game in January. “It was an honour to receive such a respected award in my fourth year. Mark Jeffrey has left a legacy here at UNB that will never be forgotten,” he shares.

Coach Gardiner MacDougall praises Keating’s contributions, stating, “Austen has been a consistent high-performance leader for our team and brings a great deal of energy and enthusiasm to every practice and game. His separators are his relentless work ethic and his competitive zest for success.”

As Keating wraps up his time in the BBA program, he leaves behind his own legacy of athletic excellence. He begins the next chapter of his career playing professional hockey with the Norfolk Admirals of the East Coast Hockey League. His awards at UNB are a testament to his dedication and skill, capturing the essence of what it means to be a student-athlete.

Photo: Austen Keating, forward player with UNB’s Red’s Men’s Hockey team received the Mark Jeffrey Memorial Merit Award in January. L-R: Megan McKeown (niece of Mark Jeffery), Jane McKeown (Sister of Mark Jeffery), Austen Keating, and Paul Simonds.

Learn more about UNB’s Faculty of Management.

For more information about this story contact Liz Lemon-Mitchell.