Remembering Cormac Kerin
It has been a tough few days since the tragic passing of our Nighthawk player; Cormac Kerin and our hearts are no less heavy.
This unfathomable tragedy has struck the heart of our community in a way that will take a very long time to process and begin healing from.
Grief affects us all very differently, as it does both children and adults. This unthinkable accident has shaken families far and wide, but it has specifically brought an incredible sadness to our youth.
The youth in every community are the joy bringers, the happy go lucky citizens, the innocent. When moments of their innocence are lost and they are faced with such tremendous grief, we all suffer along with them.
Our players lost their teammate, their classmate, their friend. Our organization, including parents and coaches will be relied upon to support not only each other, but more importantly our young players.
I have spoken with several of Cormacs coaches and the messages were consistent; he was a quiet, hardworking, sweet boy who was always there for his teammates. Cormac played his first game of the season last Tuesday night, the evening before his passing. His coach said that he told him "I'm a defenceman, but I will play wherever you need me". He went out to hustle that game and set up two spectacular goals for his linemates. I never had the pleasure of meeting Cormac, but I certainly wish that I would have. He sounds like the epitome of a great teammate and an all around, pretty great kid.
In the days and weeks ahead, we will be working together to help honour Cormac, support his family and continue praying for his sister Shea while she continues her own battle to recovery.
Our players will all be receiving patches/stickers to place on their uniforms to recognize their fellow Nighthawk. We will be connecting players and coaches with our local Cobourg Cougars and Port Hope Panthers team Chaplins for opportunities to share and support each other.
We also want to invite all of our players and families to place their hockey sticks on their lit front porches tomorrow evening, along with messages for the family and prayers for Shea. The strength from continued solidarity within our extended hockey family and beyond will be a tremendous source of support for one another and for the Kerin Family.
Hug your children.