Warriors show support for Snowbirds

The Moose Jaw Warriors and Canadian Forces Snowbirds have had a long and fruitful relationship ever since the Western Hockey League squad arrived in the community, and that could be seen firsthand with how members of the team reacted to the fatal crash this past weekend.

Many players, both past and present, took to social media to express their condolences after Snowbirds public affairs officer Capt. Jenn Casey and was killed and Capt. Richard MacDougall seriously injured when their Tutor jet crashed into a residential neighbourhood in Kamloops, B.C. on Sunday morning.

The Warriors offered their condolences as a team shortly after the accident was confirmed.

Our hearts and prayers are with the family and friends of Captain Jennifer Casey. She brought an energy and enthusiasm that was special and it it is one that will be missed.

Rest In Peace Jenn ❤️ https://t.co/QggdBheEex

— Moose Jaw Warriors (@MJWARRIORS) May 18, 2020

Kale Clouston, who played for the Warriors in the 2018-19 season, was one of the first former players to offer condolences.

My heart goes out to all involved in the tragic @CFSnowbirds accident . Got a chance to meet the whole crew with my time spent as a @MJWARRIORS . I’ve never met another group of people as dedicated to their job as they are. Truly heartbreaking. pic.twitter.com/acrIFwL9xz

— Kale Clouston (@KaleClouston) May 18, 2020

Florida Panthers prospect Dryden Hunt, San Jose Sharks prospect Zach Sawchenko and University of Calgary standout Brodan Salmond all flew with the team during their annual Snowbirds Day and expressed their sadness over the accident.

The special partnership between the @MJWARRIORS and the @CFSnowbirds provided me the opportunity to share a day with these special men and woman. My heart goes out to everyone involved in today’s heartbreaking event. Please keep everyone involved in your thoughts and prayers ❤️ pic.twitter.com/OUFexOKNdZ

— Dryden Hunt (@huntsy22) May 18, 2020

Deeply saddened to hear about the news regarding @CFSnowbirds. I was lucky enough to fly with them and watch their team interact over several years with the @MJWARRIORS. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/vzHXjbpnMD

— Zach Sawchenko (@Chunko_31) May 18, 2020

Thinking of the entire @CFSnowbirds team as well as the families that were affected by today’s tragedy. I’ll never forget the day that my @MJWARRIORS teammates and I were fortunate enough to spend with the Snowbirds last year. True professionals. pic.twitter.com/Pdz3MsDK40

— Brodan Salmond (@Brods_1) May 18, 2020

Former Warriors Brayden Tracey and Jett Woo also offered their support.

This one really hits home @CFSnowbirds we all with you during this time pic.twitter.com/4N3vE2qmWY

— Brayden Tracey (@brayden_tracey) May 18, 2020

My prayers go out to the whole @CFSnowbirds family. As someone who was lucky enough to spend time with them, throughout the years in Moose Jaw, this really hits home. We are all with you during this time. pic.twitter.com/bdIk7k6iQ8

— Jett R. Woo (@Jett_Woo) May 18, 2020

Several current players -- all of whom played in the Warriors' annual Snowbirds Game this past season -- took to Twitter to offer their condolences.

As part of the Moose Jaw Warriors Organization. The @CFSnowbirds are an extremely big part of us. One night, every year we wear our very own “Snowbird Jerseys”. I’m thinking of all the Snowbirds and families affected by this tragedy🙏 pic.twitter.com/I3dR25lxuz

— Daemon Hunt (@DaemonHunt22) May 18, 2020

Thoughts and prayers are with the @CFSnowbirds during this heartbreaking time, they are great mentors and people! pic.twitter.com/Mndng6bh93

— Tate Popple (@tatepopple) May 18, 2020

Thoughts and Prayers go out to the family’s and individuals of the @CFSnowbirds. Getting the chance to bond with them during the year and seeing the dedication and passion towards their job is incredible. Great role models and even better people. pic.twitter.com/C9EyyzHMF9

— Calder Anderson (@calderandersonn) May 18, 2020

Being apart of an organization with such tremendous partnership with the @CFSnowbirds , it saddens me to hear the loss of a a Snowbird and a loss to the @MJWARRIORS . I would like to send my condolences to the Men and Woman of the Snowboards and the family and friends. pic.twitter.com/BBKHocnHBx

— Bryden Kiesman (@BrydenKiesman) May 18, 2020

Thoughts and prayers to the individuals and families of the @CFSnowbirds, truly world class people to be surrounded by and I’m lucky to have spent time around them. We’re all with you guys! pic.twitter.com/s3mgretcLx

— Cayde (@CaydeAugy21) May 18, 2020

The Snowbirds were nearing the end of their Operation Inspiration cross-Canada tour when the accident happened, and the team remains grounded while an investigation is ongoing.