CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — David Kelly (DK) meant a lot to a lot of people.
A trio of Charlottetown Islanders made the trip to Saint John, N.B., on Monday to attend the well-known Sea Dogs equipment manager’s visitation. A second visitation was held Tuesday while a service celebrating DK’s life will be held today.
“DK was the most inspirational. He’s a mentor to pretty much everyone,” said Islanders equipment manager Andrew (Spide) MacNeill. “I never met a more positive person in my life than DK.”
DK was the Sea Dogs head equipment manager for 13 years, winning three President Cups and the Memorial Cup. He died March 6 after a long battle with cancer.
He was 40.
“It hurts,” MacNeill said. “(But) now he’s in peace and there’s no pain.”
RELATED: Click here for the obituary.
MacNeill, assistant equipment manager Tyler Jay and athletic therapist Kevin Elliott attended Monday’s visitation. They aren’t able to attend today’s service as the team has a home game tonight.
Jay said he met DK through the hockey world, but his positive message transcends the profession.
“If you go through his story, it can inspire you in so many ways,” he said. “He inspires me every day.”
After being diagnosed with cancer in 2014, DK made it his mission to take the disease head-on and inspire others worldwide. He was known across the hockey and sports world for his #TeamDK movement and his prominent Monkey Band-Aid Apparel program.
Above MacNeill’s work station, Forward is Forward is painted with one of the Monkey Band-Aid photos as a sign of respect.
“His legacy is going to live on forever,” MacNeill said.
MacNeill remembers meeting DK during the Sea Dogs inaugural season in 2005.
“We almost hit it off right away. We both love the game of hockey,” he said. “We’d share stories and tips about how to improve equipment or what to order and new trends.”
Jay knew of DK from his big social media following prior to meeting him during his first year in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
“He was such a personable guy,” Jay said.
When DK had to take a leave of absence, Jay moved to Saint John, N.B., to work with the Sea Dogs. When DK returned, Jay stayed on as the team won the President Cup in 2017.
“It was an unforgettable experience,” Jay said. “It was unbelievable to stand on the bench beside him and work every day with him.”
