Motivated to give back
Deer Lake defenceman earns QMJHL award for community involvement with Islanders
Charlottetown — Marcus Kearsey credits the role models who influenced him as a young hockey player for his desire to give back to the community and help others.
“Growing up, I had certain role models I looked up to that made me feel a certain way,” said the Charlottetown Islanders defenceman from Deer Lake, N.L. “I enjoyed looking up to people who helped me and kind of put me under their wing.
“I found that made me super happy growing up as a hockey player, and just returning the favour is the biggest thing I look to do.”
Kearsey has done just that and more. Those efforts were recognized on April 16 as Kearsey was named the 202324 Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) humanitarian of the year for outstanding community involvement.
“Even though it’s so easy to do, it means a lot to younger kids and to the community when you can do something like that,” Kearsey told Saltwire in a phone interview. “My focus was to give back to the community and put a smile on kids’ faces because of my role models and what they did for me.”
The five-foot-10, 170pound Kearsey, who is from Deer Lake, N.L., called it a huge honour to be recognized with the humanitarian award.
“Even to get that within our team (is important),” said Kearsey, who recorded seven goals and 49 points in 68 regular-season games. “We had a lot of guys on our team that did lots of great things for the community, and guys are always doing things to show their leadership around the community.”
Kearsey, who turned 18 in March and is eligible for the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, recently completed his second season with the Islanders.
Kearsey, the Islanders and Big Brothers Big Sisters of P.E.I. partnered to host Kearsey’s Kids at the team’s home games during the 202324 season.
A big brother or big sister and their match attended the contests as guests of the Islanders and Kearsey at Eastlink Centre. Kearsey met, chatted with and wrote each participant a personalized note.
“It went pretty well, overall,” said Kearsey. “At the end of the day, it was to put a smile on the kids’ faces and to get the message out to the community that they are welcome, and I think the Islanders’ organization did a successful job at that.”
Kearsey also represented the Islanders in the “Hockey Gives Blood” campaign, encouraged adoption for pets at the P.E.I. Humane Society in Charlottetown, promoted 24Strong Dance Studio, donated his time to the Make A Wish Foundation, spoke at schools and attended several minor hockey practices and a ball hockey tournament.
“We are really proud of Marcus,” said Islanders general manager and head coach Jim Hulton. “It’s nice to see him get recognized by our league.
“Those of us who have been around him all year had a full appreciation for what he did in our community, and it means a lot to our organization.”
Hulton said having players embrace a mentorship role and be a role model like Kearsey is an important part of the major junior hockey experience.
“The kids who embraced that role have a lot of fun with it, and that’s Marcus,” said Hulton. “When you think of Marcus, it’s that smile on his face and an energetic guy who is comfortable in all situations.
“He’s an important part of our franchise, our community and will be for years to come.”
Young kids and the charitable organizations are not the only ones to benefit from Kearsey’s volunteer efforts.
“Even though I’m putting a smile on their face, it puts one on mine as well,” said Kearsey. “Just to know I’m making a kid’s day or putting a smile on their face is pretty cool and the biggest reason I do it.”
Kearsey is already looking forward to continuing his efforts in the community in future seasons with the Islanders, adding, “For sure, that’s the plan.”