Paradise street named after late 16-year-old hockey player J.D. Trainor

J.D. Trainor was both a Warrior on the ice — having played for the Paradise, N.L., hockey team that carries that name — and a warrior in his battle against cancer, his family says, as they welcome a new memorial from their community.

The 16 year old died earlier this year, and to honour his memory, the Town of Paradise has named a street after him in an upcoming subdivision near Adam's Pond.

J.D.'s mom, Christina Trainor, said the town's support for their family has made them feel at home. 

"We moved in seven years ago, and at times I didn't always feel at home because I grew up out in Dildo, New Harbour," Trainor said.

"I felt like I found my home in Paradise this past year, for everything they've done for us. The street naming is amazing."

The renaming ceremony took place at the Paradise Double Ice Complex on Tuesday morning, an arena where J.D. spent hours practicing and competing. 

His story gained attention during the IIHF World Junior tournament in December when TSN anchor James Duthie sent a message to J.D. during one of his broadcasts. J.D. was diagnosed with cancer while attending King's-Edgehill School in Nova Scotia.

J.D. was a prolific player, and earned himself a spot on an array of teams, including the Paradise Warriors and the Mount Pearl Senior High Huskies.

The community filled the Paradise Double Ice Complex to show support for J.D. when the Huskies held a fundraiser game for cancer against the Holy Spirit Falcons. 

WATCH | Family and friends gather to name a street in J.D. Trainor's honour:

Teen hockey player remembered with new street name in Paradise

12 hours ago

Duration 2:06

The town of Paradise has a newly named street in the Lakeside Subdivision. 16-year-old J.D. Trainor was a town resident and talented hockey player who died in January from cancer. To honour him, teammates, his parents and even the premier showed up for the street dedication.

J.D.'s club hockey teammates wore helmet stickers with his hockey number on them so he could be part of the games he couldn't physically play. 

After he died, the Trainors received an outpouring of messages from NHL players offering their condolences. 

Premier Andrew Furey was one of many who called the family. Furey said J.D. exercised the meaning of life.

"Helmet stickers, tribute games, paintings, and heartfelt messages all show how far J.D. Trainor's influence reached," Furey said.

"J.D. Trainor Street will serve as a reminder — to live with compassion, to face life's battles with courage, and to love fiercely, just as he did."

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