Halifax native Captain Jennifer Casey is as east coast, and as Canadian as they come. The City of Quinte West, where Jenn lived six years of her life, will be celebrating her this Friday, through their Junior A Hockey Club. On Friday November 27, 2020 at the Duncan McDonald Memorial Community Gardens, the Wellington Dukes will take on Trenton. For one afternoon, the Golden Hawks will become the Trenton “Snowbirds”.
Captain Casey, who lived in Trenton (Quinte West) from 2012-2018, 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 of 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.
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” will don 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 will be auctioned off, with proceeds going to charity. Several special guests will be appearing via video, with political and military dignitaries dropping the puck for the game. The broadcast on YourTV begins at 1:30 p.m.
Trenton Director of Operations John McDonald says they are looking forward to honouring the former Quinte West resident. “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.” He added, “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 says he is excited for the game to pay tribute to a great Canadian. “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.”
YourTV (Cogeco 4/700) will carry the game, and the pre-game ceremony, along with the videos from family, dignitaries, and colleagues. It is Game 7 of the Hasty Ps’ 8-Game Summit series between the Trenton Golden Hawks and Wellington Dukes (presented by Trent Valley Distributors). The series is in honour of the Hastings Prince Edward Regiment.
