From Jan. 13 to 23, Torino, Italy, hosted the 2025 Fédération Internationale du Sport Universitaire (FISU) World University Games: A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for exceptional collegiate student-athletes to compete in a ‘mini-Olympics’ of winter sports.

Three of McGill’s own were called up to the big stage. Mathieu Gagnon, U3 Management, William Rouleau, U3 Management, and Redbirds Hockey Head Coach David Urquhart travelled overseas and secured Canada’s second consecutive Men’s Hockey FISU gold. 

“Playing for Team Canada is something that was kind of unexpected for both of us [Gagnon and Rouleau], at this point in our hockey careers,” Gagnon told The Tribune in an interview. 

“We just cherished every second of it,” Rouleau added. “It was amazing to wear that jersey. And the way we were treated too, we quickly realized how important it is to play for Team Canada.” 

Playing hockey for Canada goes beyond representing the country—it is about carrying on the legacy of a sport that is deeply woven into the nation’s identity. For Rouleau and Gagnon, wearing the national jersey was a chance to be part of a proud history, to understand the responsibility that comes with it, and to experience the passion that makes hockey such an integral part of Canada’s identity. Despite being consistent powerhouses in the hockey world, Gagnon assured that the team “definitely had to earn [their] wins.”

Coach Urquhart, one of four Assistant Coaches for FISU Team Canada, is well acquainted with the Italian hockey scene, having played for Valpellice (2011-12), Pontebba (2012-13), and Ritten-Renon (2013-14) in Italy. A proud McGill Hockey alum, Urquhart’s coaching expertise and track record of success at McGill made him a valuable addition to the team.

Set to compete in seven gruelling games over 14 days, Team Canada quickly came together, featuring top talent from across U SPORTS. Despite having to adjust to Olympic-sized ice and new teammates, the group remained composed, powering through the preliminary round while building chemistry along the way. 

“Our coaching staff did an amazing job proposing team-building exercises,” Rouleau said. “A great one forced us to share personal things that you wouldn’t necessarily share with ‘strangers’ and it made us want to win for each other.” 

“Everyone accepted to be vulnerable with each member of the team, and we gained a lot of trust from everybody,” Gagnon added.

In hockey, where split-second decisions can determine the outcome of a game, chemistry and trust are what separate good teams from great ones. 

“Personally, I’ve always been a huge advocate of combining sports and studies,” Gagnon shared. “I just think it’s a great way to learn about life, [understand how] to manage a busy schedule, and build a good work ethic.” 

Gagnon and Rouleau felt they were chosen not only for their skill, but for their integrity as individuals and students. The trust delivered results, as Team Canada came away with a commanding 10-2 win over the United States in the semi-finals and a 3-1 victory over Slovakia in the finals. 

Both Rouleau and Gagnon admitted they knew little about the FISU Games before joining U SPORTS, but now hope to see the Games’ popularity soar. As Gagnon put it, the tournament provided them with “the best hockey experience of [their] lives.”

Off the ice, the athletes had the chance to explore Torino and take part in an opening ceremony that brought many young Olympic dreams to life. While bringing home gold was the ultimate goal, the two athletes found themselves cherishing the small moments along the way. For Gagnon, the highlight of the games was walking out behind the flag and connecting with fellow athletes at the opening ceremony. Rouleau, on the other hand, treasures the simple joys of hanging out with the team, sharing stories, and playing cards—experiences that left a lasting memory.

Now back in Montreal, Rouleau and Gagnon hope to build on this momentum with McGill as they hit the ice again on Feb. 7 to face off against the University of Guelph Gryphons. With a 14–10 record this season, the gold medalists are powering McGill Men’s Hockey.