NEWS

The Trenton Golden Hawks become the Trenton “Snowbirds” when they hosted the Wellington Dukes this afternoon – just for the day.

The Ontario Junior Hockey League team did so in honour of late Snowbirds Captain Jennifer Casey.

Captain Casey, who lived in Trenton (Quinte West) from 2012-18, lost her life Sunday, May 17, 2020, when the Snowbird she was in went down in Kamloops, British Columbia.  Casey and the Snowbirds were taking part in “Operation Inspiration”, with the goal bringing joy to Canadians during the pandemic.  The week before the crash, Casey and the Snowbirds flew across the Bay of Quinte, as part of their good-will mission.

Before today’s game, political and military dignitaries were on hand to drop the puck, while Casey’s family and some very special guests paid tribute via video.  Well wishes came in from Gord Sinclair and Paul Langois from The Tragically Hip, Prince Edward County’s Miss Emily (Emily Fennell Taylor) who worked together to perform a campfire version of “Wheat Kings”.  Lt-Col Denis Bandet (Moose Jaw Commander of the Snowbirds), International Space Station Commander Chris Hadfield, Premier Doug Ford, Federal Opposition Leader Erin O’Toole, Captain Casey’s Stepfather Rob Tough, Father Jean Pierre Thimot and boyfriend Scott Boyd thanked the teams for the game, and shared stories of “Jenn”.

In 2012, Casey moved to Trenton, and began working at Quinte Broadcasting (CJBQ, Mix 97, Rock 107, Quinte News).  After leaving radio, she began a career in the military.  She spent time as a Public Affairs Officer at 8-Wing Trenton, PAO with the CF-18 Demo Team and then with the Snowbirds, based out of Moose Jaw.

The Trenton “Snowbirds” wore the red, white, and blue of the birds, with each jersey having the name CASEY on the back, along with the players’ designated number.  After the game, the jerseys were being auctioned off, with proceeds going to charity. 

 “The Trenton Junior A Hockey Club is honoured to be named after Canada’s original aerobatics team, the Golden Hawks.  It is only natural we honour the current aerobatics team, Captain Casey, and Operation Inspiration,” said Trenton Director of Operations John McDonald, “This game would not happen without the Casey family, the Golden Hawks aerobatics team, 431 Squadron in Moose Jaw, CFB Trenton, former Golden Hawk Dan Dempsey and jersey designer Dave O’Malley.”

Wellington Dukes General Manager Todd Reid said his team was excited to take part.

“We all mourned the loss of Captain Casey.  Operation Inspiration was a truly Canadian project, and the Snowbirds whole mission was to bring a smile to our faces.  The Dukes are honoured to get to take part in this great game, for a former Bay of Quinte resident, and a great Canadian.”

Casey’s mother, Rose, and stepfather, Rob, welcomed the news of the game: “We would like to thank everyone involved in creating this beautiful jersey and event.  Jenn was a lifelong hockey fan, especially junior hockey. From her hometown Halifax Mooseheads, to rooting for Canada at the World Juniors, to following her beloved Montreal Canadiens, hockey was part of major part of Jenn’s life.” 

They added how important her time in Quinte West was.  “Jenn touched a lot of hearts during her time in Trenton, like she did wherever she went.  Whether it was working in the radio newsroom, running in a relay, travelling to airshows, or being in the Snowbirds, Jenn gave it her all. We can remember her by bringing the values she lived by to what we all do:  play your best game, honour your teammates, respect your competitors, have fun and try to bring joy to whatever you do.”

The 'Snowbirds' won the game – the seventh in the Hasty Ps Cup series – 3-0 to tie the best-of-eight at seven points apiece.  Both teams have two wins and three ties a piece. Game 8 goes Dec. 2 at 2 p.m.