RIP - David DK Kelly Passes March 7

[radarc]

All the best to DK on his retirement. One of the last original Sea Dogs.

After 13 seasons with the Saint John Sea Dogs, David “DK” Kelly has announced his retirement from the club to focus his energy and attention on his fundraising initiatives and #TeamDK movement.

“It has been 13 incredible seasons with the Sea Dogs” said DK. “I have won everything there is to win at this level and want to focus all my energy on making a difference in the world, specifically in Saint John. I want to thank Scott McCain, Trevor Georgie, Joe Richard, and the ownership and management groups past and present for the many great years.”

After being diagnosed with cancer, DK has made it his mission to take the disease head-on and inspire others worldwide. He is known across the hockey and sports world for his #TeamDK movement and is active in a number of charitable initiatives. He is currently leading his prominent Monkey Band-Aid Apparel program to raise funds for the Saint John Regional Hospital Oncology Centre.

“DK says it all the time – he is not dying with cancer, he is living with it” said Sea Dogs President and General Manager, Trevor Georgie. “His optimism in the face of adversity is incredible. We are proud of his commitment to his #TeamDK movement. It has thousands of followers globally and the momentum continues to grow.”

DK began his career with the Sea Dogs in 2005 as Head Equipment Manager and held this role until November 2017 when he joined the Sea Dogs Front Office as Senior Advisor to Hockey Operations. DK won three President Cup Championships and one MasterCard Memorial Cup with the Sea Dogs. In November 2017 he celebrated his 800th game behind the bench.

“DK has been a key part of our team throughout the years” said Sea Dogs Chief Executive Office and Majority Owner, Scott McCain. “He has always worked hard and has enjoyed lots of success with three President Cups and one Memorial Cup. I wish him the best of luck as he dedicates his life to giving back.”

Fans can continue to follow and support DK through his Twitter Account @seadogsdk and by visiting his website www.TeamDK.ca

sjseadogs.com/article/david-dk-kelly-announces-retirement-to-focus-on-philanthropy

[sherwood1020]

Huge congratulations to DK from Cape Breton. A huge ambassador for the Sea Dogs organization and the league as a whole. Consummate professional.

[hal]

Pretty Classy .........his attitude speaks Volumes . The whole Saint John Sea Dogs Organization should be very proud .

[downthemiddle]

Congratulations to DK on a great career and inspiring so many people. Happy retirement!

[eaglefan62]

Congratulations to DK on an amazing career with the Sea Dogs. Keep fighting the good fight and best of luck in your future endeavours.

[j3e4]

Congratulations DK. Hope to still see you at Harbour Station.

What an ambassador for the Sea Dogs organization he has been!

[scotian1]

Wishing David all the best in his new endeavor, the Sea Dogs will really miss him but this is a noble cause.

[aspookyghost]

DK shared on Facebook yesterday that he received some "not super news" while at the Regional Hospital. He is waiting to speak with his medical team before sharing further details. Good luck to him and in his ongoing battle. Hopefully we'll see him around the rink some this season.

[Jack Bauer]

[juliansteed]

RIP DK

[aspookyghost]

There needs to be a DK banner in the rafters.

[yesisaiditfirst]

And so closes a big chapter in sea dogs history. Sorry to hear this though not unexpected. You should put his name in rafters.

[radarc]

From the Sea Dogs:

After a long battle with cancer, former Saint John Sea Dogs Equipment Manager David “DK” Kelly has died. DK was the Sea Dogs Head Equipment Manager for 13 years, winning three President Cups and the Memorial Cup. He was 40.

"We are all saddened by the passing of our dear friend and colleague David Kelly. As the owner of the Saint John Sea Dogs I can assure you nobody has shown more character and courage when faced with adversity the way DK has done over the past several years,” Sea Dogs Owner and CEO Scott McCain said. “On behalf of all the Sea Dogs organization I extend our deepest sympathies to all his family. We will miss him.”

Before retirement from his role as Head Equipment Manager in 2017, DK was the only Head Equipment Manager in Sea Dogs’ history, having worked 805 regular season games. In 2018 he joined the Sea Dogs front office as Senior Advisor to Hockey Operations, before leaving the organization shortly thereafter to pursue philanthropic initiatives.

Prior to his time with the Sea Dogs, DK spent time with the Waco Wizards (WPHL), Milano Vipers (Italy) and Bracknell Bees (British Super League). He began his career as a visiting team dressing room attendant with the AHL’s Saint John Flames, and was eventually promoted to Assistant Equipment Manager. He also worked extensively with Hockey Canada’s Program of Excellence.

“Living with cancer, Forward is forward, Hakuna Matata, the monkey band-aid story and campaign” said Sea Dogs President and General Manager Trevor Georgie. “This is a devastating day for everyone but these are some of the inspiring quotes and memories that DK has left behind for all of us. Gifts for all of us – ones that encourage us to fight, overcome adversity, stay positive, and believe. My fondest memories of DK are the light and personal conversations we had about our nephews, comparing notes, him sharing funny stories about Jacob. He loved his family dearly. We are sending our prayers and love to Dominique and his entire family.”

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.

In December 2018, the Sea Dogs unveiled a Wall of Honour for DK that will forever remain in the concourse of Harbour Station as a reminder of his legacy.

The Saint John Sea Dogs will observe a moment of silence tonight, March 7 at Harbour Station prior to the game.

RIP DK

sjseadogs.com/article/david-dk-kelly-passes-away-at-40

[SteveUL]

My condolences to his family and friends and the Seadog family.

[hal]

Not just the Hockey Side of Saint John but the whole city of Saint John and all it's citizen's have lost a truly great person . Pink in the Rink is very important in all Q Arena's but for the Sea Dogs it will forever have a little extra truly special meaning for it's Fans . Take Care Everyone .