By Charlene Tebbutt

Hundreds mourn Humboldt Broncos in Prince Albert

Apr 8, 2018 | 10:10 PM

Hundreds attended an evening vigil in Prince Albert Sunday, to pay their respects to the Humboldt Broncos hockey team, and those whose lives were taken or forever changed.

The vigil was held at the Art Hauser Centre, just ahead of the final game at the Senators Cup. Players, fans and community members filled the arena seats to pray and pay their respects following the horrific crash Friday involving the Humboldt Broncos hockey team.

Fifteen people died as a result of the crash and another 14 are in hospital.

While many may not know those involved in the crash, or their families, many came to pay their respects. They all know the sights, sounds and smells of the rink, and hockey on a cold winter’s day. And, they know the pride that comes with being part of a community.

Crystal Ruthven and her family attend Prince Albert Raiders’ games and are big fans of the sport. She helped coordinate the vigil with others in the community.

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“For us, it hits really close to home,” Ruthven said. “You never want your kids to get on the bus and expect this to happen, and so for us, it’s part of being a hockey family that we wanted to do this.”

Kim Pagé of the Prince Albert Raiders also helped organize the act of remembrance.

“You feel helpless, so all you can really do is stand together and show that you’re there to support them all,” she said.

Members of the hockey community spoke at the vigil which was held at centre ice before the start of the final game. Members of the Prince Albert Grand Council and Northern Lights Casino and the Northern Lights Development Corporation, who were hosting the Senators Cup tournament, also helped organize the vigil. Representatives with the Prince Albert Raiders, City of Prince Albert, Prince Albert Mintos hockey club and Prince Albert Minor Hockey also spoke of players coached, conversations had and memories they will treasure forever.

Photos of the Humboldt Broncos and staff were diplayed on the big screen along with video from last night’s hockey game with comments from Don Cherry.

PAGC Vice-Chief Joseph Tsannie said donations were being collected. So many kids from northern Saskatchewan, and across the province, participate in sport, he said.

“It builds so many wonderful things when you participate in sport, and we’re part of that, and whatever we can do to help, we always come together,” he said.

Richard Ahenakew spoke at the event, offering condolences on behalf of the Northern Lights Casino, Northern Lights Development Corporation and SIGA, saying everyone stands with Humboldt.

“One of the things that this tragedy has made me realize is how close we are in Saskatchewan,” he said. “To see you all here makes my heart strong.”

James Mays, technical director with Prince Albert Minor Hockey, said Saskatchewan kids, coaches and parents travel millions of miles each winter to play hockey. He said everyone is in mourning, but there will be a day when hockey will be played again in Humboldt.

“I don’t know when it will happen. Maybe next year, maybe the following year, but there will be a day, an evening when the Humboldt Broncos will skate on the ice again. And the Elgar Petersen Arena will be full. It will be jam packed with their friends, families and people from the entire hockey community,” he said

Organizers are asking everyone to wear green on Monday to show their support for the Humboldt Broncos.