On Friday, March 18th, the Miramichi Timberwolves Organization honoured their past president Jamie Keays by hosting the 1st Annual Jamie Keays Memorial Hockey Game.
Jamie was an integral part of the Timberwolves Organization for many years and represented Miramichi and the Miramichi Timberwolves with pride. Jamie did many things behind the scenes to make sure the team was running smoothly from gathering sponsors, selling tickets, day to day operations, and playing a key role in major fundraising initiatives such as Spring Fling, the Dinner and Auction and Golf Tournament. The big man is missed from his stool in our office for he was the king and that was his throne. Jamie was also heavily involved with the Casey Tire Fire Hawks in the gentlemen’s league and #55 is missed there as well.
Jamie has left his mark on current and former players, evidenced by the outpouring of emotions with his recent passing. Tributes poured in from far and wide
The Miramichi Timberwolves came close to winning our first-ever MHL Cup in 2017 and Jamie was our biggest cheerleader. One day, we’ll win one for Jamie and the big man will smile down upon us and we’ll hear his classic chant of “Go Wolves Go”.
Jamie passed away on February 3rd at the age of 53. Our thoughts continue to be with his wife Cathy, his family and many friends.
The night aimed at embracing Jamie’s memory wherever possible. Players arrived at the rink sporting various sporting jerseys, all representing Jamie’s favourite teams. For the pre-game ceremony, 3 mini players represented the teams closest to Jamie’s heart. The Montreal Canadiens, The Miramichi Timberwolves and the Casey Tire Fire Hawks. The goal song for the evening was “Ole, Ole, Ole” one of Jamie’s favourites. The program feature “Keaysie” and memories of his life were shared. Additionally, a Timberwolves Jersey bearing Jamie’s #55 and name has been framed and will be hung in his memory upstairs in the Wolves Den where Jamie could often be found after each home game.
In Jamie’s honour, the Jamie Keays Memorial Education Fund has also been created. The Miramichi Timberwolves team aims at developing young players on and off the ice. The goal of this education fund is to support players as they pursue post-secondary education through the granting of monetary scholarships and bursaries. Through this fund, the team will also recognize one player at the end of each season. The Jamie Keays Leadership Award, which was given out for the first time on Friday, will recognize an individual as a superior leader within their sport and as a contributing member of society. This individual is one that leads by positive example through on-ice performance, motivation of team members, academics, and dedication to community events and charitable causes. This award is selected by team personnel and community educators.
During the pre-game ceremony, Jacob Santerre was named the 1st recipient of the Jamie Keays Leadership Award. Santerre lead the Wolves on the ice with 24 goals and 26 assists, totalling 50 points in 33 games played, good for 6th position in the league’s scoring race. Off the ice, he attends grade 12 at Miramichi Valley High School where he finished the first semester with an overall average of 94. He shows a keen interest in the community through his commitment to attend community events and helping with minor hockey teams. He also plans to continue to build a strong relationship between the organization and local special Olympic athletes in the future. Through a challenging year, Jacob has modelled respect, kindness, and maturity to his teammates and community.
Braden McPhee was also acknowledge as being highly considered as a recipient for this award because of his hard work ethic on and off the ice throughout the season.
The Timberwolves look forward to honouring Jamie’s memory through this award and fund for years to come.
The Miramichi Timberwolves Organization would like to thank all who supported the event which raised over $1500 towards the Jamie Keays Education Fund.
Photos from the event can be viewed on the Miramichi Timberwolves Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/