Windsor hockey community remembering Mickey Renaud

Owen Sound Attack players watch the Mickey Tribute video in the opening ceremonies on Feb. 18, 2019. (Photo by Kaitlynn Kenney)

The game on Feb. 18 is important for the Windsor hockey scene, especially for the Spitfires.  

Story by Kaitlynn Kenney

Remembering Mickey Renaud.@SpitsHockey captain.#OHL leader.

Gone but 1️⃣8️⃣ is never forgotten ✈️ pic.twitter.com/fke3oWLGTx

— OntarioHockeyLeague (@OHLHockey) February 18, 2019

It’s the 11th annual tribute game in honour of the Spits fallen captain Mickey Renaud, who died unpredictably from a rare heart condition when he was only 19 in 2008.

Most of the staff who knew Mickey come to the WFCU to remember what he meant to the former team and the surrounding community. 

The Renaud family made an appearance for the opening ceremonies, which involved a tribute video and the gifting of the next Mickey scholarships for 2019 from Sutherland.

Mark Renaud, Mickey’s father, said that this day means a lot to their family.

“We’re honoured that Mickey is remembered in this way. It’s a hard day for our family to be honest but we appreciate that people remember him so well,” said Renaud.

His death left a hole in the hearts of his fans and former teammates, and those who knew him at the arena.

Justin Artale, head of security and arena operations, knew Mickey from when he started in 2005.

“Mickey actually gave me my nickname, nightrider,” Artale said. “It’s important to honour his legacy because Mickey is the community and Mickey is Windsor, and he is our captain forever.”

This is always an emotional day for everyone who knew Mickey, and those who only know him by his legend left behind.

And they make it clear that his name is etched into the hearts of Spitfire staff and players forever.