TOTAL SPORTS QUINTE
14
TRENTON GO
Celebrate their and Captain
Jim Harrison, Prince Edward County Mayor Steve Ferguson, Title Sponsor, Trent Valley Distributors Owner Chris Auger (former Wellington Duke), and Master Corporal (Ret’d) Ryan Isbister were the special guests for the pre-game ceremony.
By Tim Durkin Director of Business Development Trenton Golden Hawks Hockey Club Trenton, or should I say Quinte West, is known as “Air Force City”. The connection between Canadian Forces Base Trenton, the municipality, and the residents, is like family. In fact, not only is Quinte West family, but the Bay of Quinte region shows great pride in the women and men that serve at Canada’s largest air force base. It is Canada’s military transportation hub. With Canadian Forces Detachment Mountain in Prince Edward County, under the jurisdiction of 8-Wing Trenton, it seemed only fitting that a club from The County, and the junior team from Trenton would meet in a game that garnered national attention for our military. The game was not just for our military, but in particular, a former Quinte West resident. On Friday, November 27th at the Duncan McDonald Memorial Community Gardens, the Wellington Dukes and Trenton played Game 7 of their 8 Game Summit Series. It was called the Hasty Ps Cup (presented by Trent Valley Distributors). For that game, the Golden Hawks changed their jersey, socks, and name to the Trenton Snowbirds. They switched from black, white and gold, to the red, blue, and white of the Tudor planes that are part of the Snowbirds Aerobatics Team. The game was played in honour of former Quinte West resident Captain Jennifer Casey. Casey died in May, after she and Captain Richard MacDougall crashed shortly after takeoff in British Columbia. MacDougall was injured, while Casey died, doing what they loved to do. They were part of “Operation Inspiration”, a coast-to-coast mission The Snowbirds undertook, to bring joy to Canadians during the COVID-19 Pandemic. In a moving pre-game ceremony, dignitaries participated in a puck drop. Warrant Officer (Ret’d) Veteran Daryl Watters, CFB Trenton Commander Colonel Ryan Deming, Chief Warrant Officer Dan Baulne, MP Neil Ellis, MPP Todd Smith, Quinte West Mayor
Family, friends and dignitaries sent wishes over video. They included Captain Casey’s Father JP Thimot, Step-Father Rob Tough, her partner Scott Boyd (a former Snowbird Captain), Leader of the Official Opposition Erin O’Toole, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Snowbirds Commander Lt Col Denis Bandet, and former Commander of the International Space Station Chris Hadfield. The National Anthem was performed from the shores of her Lake Ontario home just outside of Kingston, by Miss Emily (Emily Fennell Taylor), a native of Prince Edward County. Miss Emily, along with Paul Langois and Gord Sinclair of The Tragically Hip also performed a campfire/lakeside version of “Wheat Kings”. Captain Casey’s favourite band was The Hip and she attended their final show in Kingston. The game was played with the doors locked to fans, due to the pandemic. The bright lights of YourTV (Cogeco 4/700) provided fans with the game, in their living room. David Foot, a former radio colleague and friend of Captain Casey, told stories during the broadcast. He shared memories of who she was, and about her passion for the game of hockey.” The day was not just about remembering a great Canadian, and Quinte West resident, it was also a very important game. The Wellington Dukes were one win away from lifting the 1st annual Hasty P’s Cup. The trophy was named in honour of the Hastings Prince Edward Regiment. Trenton was coming off their first win of the series in Game 6 and would need Game 7 and Game 8 wins to claim the trophy. The Snowbirds (Golden Hawks) came out inspired, firing 16 of the first 20 shots on goal. They took a 1-0 lead. Wyatt George put it home, after a furious battle in front of Ethan Morrow. Assists went to Jaxen Boyer, and Julien Jacob. Wellington Coach Derek Smith called a time out and calmed his players. The period remained 1-0, with the shots 19-9 in favour of the Snowbirds. Continued next page ....
