(FREDERICTON, NB) Steve Burns has been leading one of Canada’s most notable IT firms for more than a decade, but his passion for sports has always been there.

With three sons playing, or having played, competitive hockey, Burns is no stranger to rinks.

He’s been involved in running the annual Buster Harvey Pee Wee Triple-A tournament for a number of years.

Burns even co-owned a Maritime stock car racing facility.

Now, Burns is taking on the role of Chair of the organizing committee for the 2017 and 2018 CIS Men’s Hockey Championships.

“I’ve been a supporter of the Varsity Reds for many years and I’m excited to be part of this great event,” says Burns.

The UNB Varsity Reds will host the national university hockey championship tournament in 2017 and 2018. It will mark the fifth and sixth times Fredericton has played host to the University Cup, having previously hosted the event in 2003, 2004, 2011 and 2012

“To have someone of Steve’s caliber leading our organizing committee is truly amazing,” says John Richard, UNB’s Director of Athletics.

“Steve brings incredible leadership to the position. He knows what it takes to build and manage businesses, work with people, and get results.”

Varsity Reds head coach Gardiner MacDougall is excited too.

“Steve has been a very enthusiastic supporter of our program for many years,” says MacDougall. “I am sure he will combine his passion for our team and the community, his outstanding leadership ability, and his business savvy to organize and run first rate national championships for our university, city and province.”

Burns is the founder and CEO of Bulletproof Solutions Inc., a full-service IT solutions provider.

Bulletproof began, in 2000, as a security and networking firm, but quickly became one of the leading IT solutions firms in the region.

While his business has grown, Burns continues to work closely with Bulletproof’s management team as they drive the business forward.

“UNB has done a fantastic job of running this tournament in the past, and I think there’s a lot I can add to that,” says Burns.

He’s a founding member of TechImpact, formerly the New Brunswick IT Council, and is involved with several community-led initiatives and boards.

Steve Burns lives in Fredericton with his wife Sara and their three sons, Duncan, Malcolm and Anderson.