Honorary Canberra Brave member Jasper Marks decided to come a bit sooner than expected. Photo: Bronwyn Parsons Photography.
The newest honorary member of the Canberra Brave has entered the world in dramatic fashion.
After a whirlwind romance that convinced the Canadian import to stay Down Under, Brave defenceman Cameron Marks and his partner Ash were expecting a baby boy on May 20 – but little Jasper Marks couldn’t wait.
“It was mindblowing to see him at 32 weeks and just 1.7 kg, he was pretty tiny and fragile,” Marks says.
“The experience was a bit of a blur. We spent most of our days in the hospital, trying to feed and take care of him while he was in an isolette and hooked up to countless wires.”
After a month in the NICU and special care unit at Canberra Hospital, baby Jasper was allowed to go home.
“I will never forget the first time I saw him out in the real world,” Marks says. “I was on my work lunch break and Ash brought him straight from the hospital to the park near work. Seeing him in his baby seat for the first time was a cool moment.”
Fast forward three months and Jasper is thriving.
“He’s hitting all his milestones,” Marks says. “Ash and I watch with fascination. It’s such a joy to see him start to explore the world and interact with his big sisters.”
Last month Baby Jasper witnessed Mum and Dad tie the knot at the National Arboretum.
“That was a special day, made all the more special that our son could be there,” Marks says.
aby Jasper on the big day with Mum, Dad and big sisters Charlotte and Avah. Photo: Michael Southam Photography.. Photo: Michael Southam Photography.
Baby Jasper is also a regular at the AIS arena, where he’s watched the Brave face off with countless opponents.
“I don’t know if Jasper will play hockey one day. I’ll definitely take him skating. Either way, I can’t wait to see what the future holds for him and am enjoying every second spent with him,” Marks says.
“It’s been amazing bringing him to the AIS arena. He’s watched all our home games, most recently my 50th AIHL (Australian Ice Hockey League) game, where I scored a goal. That doesn’t always happen as a defenceman, so I am pretty happy he was there to witness it.”
Marks says the current home of the Brave – a new state-of-the-art ice hockey area at the AIS – has elevated the sport in Canberra.
The Phillip Swimming & Ice Skating Centre – a.k.a the “Brave Cave” – hosted Canberra’s local ice hockey all-stars since the team was born in 2014, but the 400-capacity venue was bursting at the seams with the large and passionate fan base of the reigning Goodall Cup champions.
“The Brave Cave ambience was always cool, it’s amazing to have the fans close. But playing at the AIS has been the best surprise this season has brought,” Marks says.
“The atmosphere each game is second to none and there’s truly no better feeling than skating onto the ice to a packed arena cheering you on to victory.
“It goes to show how first-class the support and fan base we get here in Canberra really is.”
The Canberra Brave will face off with US at the AIS Arena on Saturday 26 July. For more information or to book tickets, visit the Canberra Brave.
