By Jeff D'Andrea

Cree prayer offered to Humboldt Broncos during Senator’s Cup

Apr 8, 2018 | 7:56 AM

The Senator’s Cup Indigenous hockey tournament in Prince Albert stood still Saturday night, in the wake of the tragic crash bus crash involving the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey club.

Every player from both the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation Stars and Sandy Lake Chiefs bowed their heads in prayer and every fan stood still in the stands before both teams played. The Prince Albert Grand Council’s chiefs and senators, as well as Prince Albert Mayor Greg Dionne and other dignitaries, offered their condolences before a prayer in Cree.

“It’s very important, along with everyone, to do a prayer for all the families that are affected and to the town of Humboldt and the Humboldt Broncos organization,” Prince Albert Grand Council Grand Chief Brian Hardlotte said. “It’s a terrible incident, a tragedy in the hockey community. Including the First Nation’s hockey community.”

The news traveled quickly from the site of the accident at Highways 35 and 335 to the Art Hauser Centre shortly after the tournament’s opening ceremonies at 6 p.m.

Hardlotte said he received news of the incident, and organized the prayer for Saturday afternoon. Hardlotte said he wanted to make sure PAGC is ready to help in any way they can, and they are ready to offer assistance if called upon.

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“On behalf of the Prince Albert Grand Council chiefs and the senators that we take advice from, we extend, of course, our sincerest condolences,” Hardlotte said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League and the hockey community. We also thank of course the first responders that were in the scene first.”

Jeff.dandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW