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‘We are all Humboldt Broncos’: tearful service held after team’s fatal crash

Apr 8, 2018 | 8:25 PM

Thousands packed into the Elgar Petersen arena Sunday night to remember the victims of the tragic Humboldt Broncos bus crash.

The crash occurred at the intersection of Highways 35 and 335 Friday night, as the team was travelling to a game against the Nipawin Hawks. RCMP said the bus collided broadside with a semi-trailer at the intersection, claiming the lives of 15 players and staff members and leaving 14 more with injuries. The driver of the semi was unhurt in the incident, police said, and a small army of specialized investigators are currently investigating every aspect of the collision.

All 1,900 seats inside the local arena were filled by mourners, many wearing Broncos jerseys or green ribbons pinned over their hearts. An overflow room was set up in the adjoining curling rink, and that quickly filled to capacity as well. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attended the service on behalf of the Canadian government, along with many other dignitaries.

A moment of silence was held at 7:30 p.m., when the Broncos would have started the next game in their playoff series against Nipawin. The service was held on the ice surface, though the arena’s typical sounds of whistles and clattering sticks were replaced by prayers and hymns.

Humboldt Mayor Rob Muench spoke at the sombre gathering, which he said was one of the largest assemblies ever held in Humboldt. Wearing his Broncos jersey proudly, Muench said the entire community has shared in the sadness after the crash, and called for unity during the healing process.

“This is a very, very tough time for all our us,” Muench said. “Thankfully we can stand together – as a group, as a community, as a province, as a country together – and get through this.”

Muench thanked Sheldon Kennedy and other former members of the Swift Current Broncos and NHL, who were passengers during the team’s fatal bus accident in 1986, for visiting the injured in Saskatoon hospital Sunday. The mayor also recognized the many volunteers who offered any help they could to organize the huge memorial service. 

“Tonight is one of the steps that we have to go through,” Muench said. “In the next days, weeks and months, we will do our best to get through this and come out the other end.”

The mayor said all of Humboldt will continue to offer support to the team, which he called “part of the fabric of our community.”

“We are here behind you,” he said. “We will be here for you.”

Despite the pain and heartache, Humboldt Broncos President Kevin Garinger said the aftermath of the accident has shown the true strength and unity of the community, province and nation.

“In all this darkness, a light has shone through,” Garinger said. “This light has come from people across this globe … and in time the darkness will be less.”

Garinger, who spoke through tears while reading the names of the departed players, said the pain will undoubtedly continue, but nobody is alone in their suffering.

“Not one of us is alone in our grief,” he said. 

“We are all Humboldt Broncos, and we will be forever Humboldt Broncos strong.”

Dr. Lawrence Joseph, of FSIN, offered a traditional-language prayer during the vigil, along with his condolences. Joseph said all First Nations stand behind Humboldt, along with the rest of Canada.

The collision claimed the lives of Broncos players Adam Herold, Jacob Leicht, Logan Schatz, Jaxon Joseph, Evan Thomas, Stephen Wack, Xavier Labelle, Logan Hunter, Conner Lukan and Logan Boulet. Head coach Dary Haugan, asst. coach Mark Cross, broadcaster Tyler Bieber, statistician Brody Hinz and bus driver Glen Doerksen also lost their lives.

 

taylor.macpherson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @TaylorMacP