This year’s Quickard Edmonton Minor Hockey Week is a particularly special event for the Cassidy family.
Three generations of Cassidys are hockey referees – and for the first time, they got to officiate together.
It’s a dream come true for Kevin Cassidy.
“Tonight’s a special night for me obviously,” he explained on Saturday afternoon before that evening’s game.
Raised in Fergus, Ont., the elder Cassidy said he’s played hockey since he was five.
After 25 years, he gave up his hockey sticks and gloves for a whistle, when their minor hockey league fell short of officials.
“Somebody asked me if I would officiate. ‘Yeah sure,’ I’d give it a try … Here we are 38 years later,” he said.
“I’m almost 68 now.”
Kevin and his wife also served on executive committees for multiple minor hockey teams in Ontario.
After moving to the Edmonton area in 2013, Kevin continued his involvement with the sport.
His passion for officiating carried over to younger Cassidys.
Kevin’s son David became a referee once his own playing days ended.
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“Once my playing career was done, it was a way to stay in the game,” David said.
“Helps stay in shape a little bit and just stay active in the game.”
David’s nephew, Kaleb, found the idea of officiating appealing, and Kaleb’s brother, Kohen, thought he’d give it a try since three of his family members were involved.
“I’ve kind of always wanted to be a referee, so when I got the chance I went for it,” Kaleb said.
“My grandfather was like ‘Join the family business – you’re going to start refereeing,'” Kohen added.
“I’ve had a great first year. I loved it more than I thought I would.”
Having all four of the Cassidy referees officiate a game together was a goal of Kevin’s, and it was a heartwarming surprise for David to see his nephews carry on the family tradition.
“Going from watching Kaleb and Kohen playing to starting to referee and watching them move up the ranks in the job that they’re doing, I look forward to being out there,” David said.
David, Kaleb and Kohen say they’ve all learned from Kevin, having picked up his officiating skills and applied them to their own practices.
While they say he’s a great teacher, they say that also learned some habits they shouldn’t.
“There’s been a few times where supervisors mentioned ‘Where did you learn to do that? You probably shouldn’t.’ Well, I was watching my father,” David explained.
“Definitely some habits I need to lose from my grandfather,” Kaleb added.
Regardless, it’s a game the family will cherish.
“Moments like this are the things that mean the most to me,” Kohen said.
“Spending time with family and doing something that we all love is a great thing.”
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