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Ottawa Citizen

Charlottetown Islander named QMJHL's humanitarian player of the year

Article content 'Our athletes love to watch him play. They love to talk to him afterwards. He's a really good guy and ambassador for the (Special Olympics) movement, and a good representation about what hard work can look like as an athlete, so our athletes can relate to him a lot.' Article content Sheehan said one thing that has stood out about Jardine's volunteer efforts is his sincerity and desire to work with and help people. Article content 'He has a really great love of the (Special Olympics) movement,' said Sheehan. 'He was involved in Special Olympics when he was in high school in New Brunswick. Article content 'He was able to take that passion to P.E.I. and be connected with Special Olympics P.E.I. It's super sincere and he really appreciates what the athletes bring to their sports, so they can connect on that level.' Article content Article content Jardine also volunteered his time at several minor hockey practices, played a role in developing sport skills and leadership qualities for teenagers at Andrews Hockey Growth Programs. He participated in anti-bullying seminars with Crime Stoppers, supported the IWK Health Foundation, and took an active role in the Islanders' Make-A-Wish Game, helping reach a goal of $10,000 to grant a sick child's wish. Jardine also participated in a pre-game ceremony as the Islanders recognized six ambassadors who have faced extraordinary health challenges. Article content 'That was great having those kids come onto the ice before the game,' said Jardine. 'It's hard to put into words what some of those kids have gone through and not every kid is as fortunate as we are to play in the Q or even maybe get a chance to play sports.' Article content Jardine, an infielder with the Charlottetown Gaudet's Auto Body Islanders of the New Brunswick Senior Baseball League (NBSBL), also gives back helping out at minor baseball practices in the summer. Article content Article content Article content 'I'd like to thank the organization and the Charlottetown Islanders for being very easy to work with,' said Jardine. 'They made my life so very easy. There is never any stress involved in it… Article content 'I hope my teammates see what we have done and keep the tradition alive, whether it's the next team they play on or in Charlottetown.'