The University of New Brunswick (UNB) Woodsmen team is a student-run group uniting students from all academic disciplines on UNB. With roots stretching back over six decades, the team aims to showcase forestry-related skills and events that reflect the methods and endurance of Canada’s pioneer foresters.
University of New Brunswick’s Woodsmen Team
Information Provided in Aid of Emelie Pelletier
Founded in 1962 during a memorable Faculty night of Forestry, the Woodsmen Team was initiated by forestry student Joe Trevors and colleagues Hans Anvik, Gordon Franklin, Bernie Wannington, and Lorne Crawford. In 1963, Timothy Easley organised UNB’s first intercollegiate competition, marking the team’s entry into competitive lumberjacking.
Over the years, influential figures such as Nova Scotia’s Jim MacLeod and Judy Loo contributed significantly to the team’s development.
Notably, in 1976, Loo led the formation of the first UNB women’s team, expanding the tradition to include more women in the sport.
Today, the UNB Woodsmen Team is an active member of the Canadian Intercollegiate Lumberjacking Association (CILA), participating in traditional lumberjacking events across Canada.
Competitions are held at various institutions, including UNB Fredericton, Sir Sandford Fleming College in Lindsay, Ontario; McGill University in Montreal, Quebec; and the N.S. Agricultural College in Truro, Nova Scotia.
In the fall of 2006, for the first time in 42 years, the UNB Woodsmen Competition was relocated off-campus. Traditionally held in the Chapman Field parking lot, the event was moved due to renovations converting the area into a soccer field.
Regardless of location, the numerous activities serve to commemorate the history of lumberjacks, who paved the way for the modern forestry practices we know today.
Events
Whether it be team-based crosscut saw competition or singles underhand chop, the Woodmen across Canada – and especially here at UNBF – display a wide range of skills and abilities.
In team events, competitors work together to accomplish tasks that require strength, precision, and synchronisation.
Crosscut Saw: Teams work together to saw through logs using crosscut saws.
Log Decking: Teams stack logs in a specific formation as quickly as possible.
Pulp Throwing: Teams compete to throw pulpwood for distance or accuracy.
Swede Saw: Teams use a specific type of handsaw to cut logs.
Echo Challenge Rules: A relay-style event with various tasks to complete.
Doubles: Pairs of team members compete in events that require synchronised movements.
Singles events focus on the individual’s ability to complete lumberjack tasks with precision and speed.
Quarter Split: A log-splitting event where precision and speed are key.
Standing Block Chop: Competitors chop through a vertical log.
Underhand Chop: Athletes stand on a log and chop through it from above.
Singles: Events where individual competitors race to complete tasks.
2023-2024 Results
Recently, on October 19, 2024, the 58th Annual Nicolis Campbell Memorial Woodsmen Competition was held here at UNBF.
In the Women’s division, the Macdonald Aggies (W1) team claimed the top spot with a score of 1259 points. Fleming College (W1) followed in second place with 1087 points, and Colby (W1) rounded out the podium in third with 837 points.
Women’s Division:
1st Place: Macdonald Aggies (W1) – 1259
2nd Place: Flemming College (W1) – 1087
3rd Place: Colby College (W1) – 837
In the men’s Division, Dalhousie AC Loggersports (M1) dominated with a top score of 1193.4, while the University of New Brunswick (M1) secured second with 1169.5. UNB (M2) rounded out the podium, taking third with a score of 963.7.
Men’s Division:
1st Place: Dalhousie AC Loggersports (M1) – 1193.4
2nd Place: University of New Brunswick (M1) – 1169.5
3rd Place: University of New Brunswick (M2) – 963.7
For UNB Woodsmen, the pride of the sport forms a legacy that lasts a lifetime.
Photos from NB Archives & UNB Woodsmen Team
Edited by: Abbie Johnson
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