The Peterborough Petes organization is mourning the loss of a cherished alumnus and longtime Director, Pat Casey, who peacefully passed away on August 19 at the age of 84. A native of Kirkland Lake, ON, Casey was an integral part of the Petes’ history and legacy.
Casey’s connection to the Peterborough Petes dates back to their inaugural season in 1956-57 when he played as one of the original members of the team, suiting up for the Peterborough TPT’s. Over the course of three seasons, he contributed significantly to the team’s success, culminating in their first J. Ross Robertson Cup win and a Memorial Cup berth in 1958-59.
Beyond his contributions on the ice, Casey continued to make his mark in the hockey world. He won an NCAA Championship with Michigan Tech in 1961 and later secured a USHL Championship with the Waterloo Blackhawks in 1965.
Returning to Peterborough in 1971, Casey found a home in the city and once again aligned himself with the Petes. Joining the Board of Directors in 1979 marked the beginning of a remarkable nearly four-decade tenure. He took on various leadership roles within the organization, including Vice-President from 1979 to 1984, President from 1984 to 1987 and again from 1997 to 2002, as well as Treasurer for a decade until his retirement in 2016.
Casey played a pivotal role in numerous significant events and achievements in the history of the Petes and the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). His contributions spanned the introduction of the OHL Scholarship Program, the hosting of the 1996 Memorial Cup in Peterborough, the 2011 Hockey Day in Canada, and his support for the launch of the OHL’s Talk Today Mental Health Awareness Program in collaboration with former Petes President Dave Pogue.
In recognition of his remarkable dedication and service, Casey was awarded the Bill Long Award for Distinguished Service in 2016. This accolade celebrated his outstanding contributions not only to the Peterborough Petes but also to the broader Ontario Hockey League community.
To honour Casey’s enduring impact on the Petes as both an alumnus and a Director, the team will be wearing special helmet decals throughout the upcoming season. Additional details on how the team will pay tribute to Casey on the ice will be revealed as the season draws closer.
The Peterborough Petes extend their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Pat Casey during this time of loss. Further information about Pat Casey’s obituary and service arrangements can be found on the Highland Park Funeral Centre website.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)