QMJHL Charlottetown Islanders

Thomas Casey Commits to UNB Men's Hockey Program

Published on March 23, 2021 under Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Charlottetown Islanders News Release


(FREDERICTON, NB) Thomas Casey has been at or near the top of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League's scoring list throughout the league's pandemic-shortened season. Next season, the Charlottetown product will suit up for the three-time defending Atlantic University Sport champions, the UNB REDS.

The 20-year-old forward has signed a U SPORTS Letter of Intent, and will join the REDS men's hockey team ahead of the 2021-2022 season.

"Thomas will be a huge addition to our UNB men's hockey program and has several key high-performance attributes that will fit well with our program," said REDS head coach Gardiner MacDougall. "He has a high-level, competitive work ethic, elite speed and top-notch character. These factors have helped him become one of the most improved players in the Quebec League, and now he's among the elite offensive threats on a regular basis."

In his fourth season with the QMJHL's Charlottetown Islanders, Casey is averaging almost two points per game, with 26 goals and 34 assists through 31 games.

In his three previous seasons with the Islanders, Casey recorded 46 goals and 47 assists in 171 regular season games.

"The rich history and culture that UNB has built is what made the difference, and I want to be part of that," said Casey. "Being around a program with people that have the same goal of getting better every day is something that excites me. I'm really looking forward to the journey ahead."

Casey joined the Islanders after three seasons with the renowned Notre Dame Hounds, of the Saskatchewan U18 AAA league and stints with Team PEI at numerous events, including the 2015 Canada Winter Games.

"He's shown consistent improvement in every stage of his career, including a fantastic, career-best 20-year-old season, where he's among the QMJHL leaders in all offensive categories," said MacDougall. "He is a consummate team player who has a great passion for the game and has really grown the offensive part of his game this year."

In 2019, Casey attended the Detroit Red Wings development camp as a free agent invitee.

"My strengths as a player are my speed and play-making ability," he said. "Combining skill with grit is what I've tried to exemplify throughout my junior career. I think that'll be useful in my transition to the U SPORTS level. As a teammate, I think I'm a guy that brings a positive attitude to the rink, and I have fun while maintaining a competitive mindset."

"We've been fortunate at UNB to have had a great deal of success with Prince Edward Island born players," said Coach MacDougall, an Island native himself. "From Gord Tweedy, Don MacAdam, and Mike Kelly, to more recent stars like Darryl Boyce and Stephen Anderson. Thomas will now have a great opportunity to grow this outstanding tradition."

Casey has set three goals for his REDS career. Getting a good education, helping contribute to the community, and winning championships.

Casey will study Business Administration while attending UNB.

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Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from March 23, 2021


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