I would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who supported me and my family through the tragedy that occurred to us over the summer. The loss of my little girl has been very difficult and words cannot describe the daily emotions my family and I experience. Through this tragedy I have come to realize that many parents have experienced the loss of a child, something no parent should ever go through. I don’t think I would be able to go on if it wasn’t for all the great people my family and I have had around us during this time.

Abigail Cedine McCarthy was born on May 6, 2005; mother Alice Desrosiers and brother Tristan Desrosiers. She was and will always be the greatest accomplishment of my life. She was full of energy and life, the happiest little girl I have ever laid eyes on. A special friend of the family once told me that she is so busy that if he ever had her as his first child he would not have had anymore (he has three children). She touched the lives of anyone who knew her, that was who she was; she always made you feel special in her presence. At our hockey games she sat on the lap of her mother and clapped her hands as hard as she could when the crowd was cheering with a great big smile, she enjoyed those games. She was her brother’s biggest fan, followed him wherever he went and followed his every move. She always brought the soft side out in me and I will always remember the amazing times we shared together. Her memory will live with me forever and I dedicate my life to her.

I would like to express my sincere thanks to the SHL friends and fans, to the players (past and present), and the SHL Executive for everyone’s incredible support. Thank you all for being there for my family and I.

Most of all thank you to the River Valley Community and the Rock Organization, everyone showed why our team is more than a team, we are a family. The support from you has been overwhelming and I can’t thank you enough. You truly are great friends and I am proud to be a part of a great organization, a great hockey league, and such a wonderful community.

Sincerely,
Pete McCarthy