The temporary memorial for the Humboldt Broncos grew steadily for years after the crash. (Rob Mahon/paNOW Staff)

By Rob Mahon

Broncos Crash Anniversary

Local hockey community recalls wait, worry, and tragedy of April 6, 2018

Apr 6, 2023 | 12:00 PM

The hockey world moves fast, often at an incredible pace that befits the game itself. On April 6, 2018, however, it seemed to stand still.

In a tragedy that touched an untold number of people around the world, the Humboldt Broncos’ bus was involved in a crash on its way to a game against the Nipawin Hawks. Of the 29 people on board the bus that day, 16 were killed and many of the survivors suffered life-altering injuries. The day is burned into the memory of many in the hockey community.

“I know exactly where I was almost to the pinpoint coordinate,” said Prince Albert Raiders general manager Curtis Hunt. “You just don’t forget things like that. The pictures, the worry, the wonder, and then, when you finally hear the news.”

The tragedy hit close to home for so many in the hockey world, which is a small world in so many ways. The death of Adam Herold, who played three games for the Raiders that same season, gave the tragedy an even more personal touch to the team.

“The type of leader that he was, the world needs more leaders,” said Hunt. “Certainly, Adam was one of those leaders, ahead of his time and his youth in terms of how he thought and cared for those around him.”

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As closely intertwined as the hockey world is, it was nearly impossible to be involved in hockey in Saskatchewan and not be connected to the tragedy in some way. For the Prince Albert Mintos, that connection came from two of its former players, Layne Matechuk and Jacob Leicht, who were on the bus when it crashed. Leicht was killed in the collision.

“We’re sitting there going, oh my god, how bad can this be?” said Don Fauchoux, who was manager of the Mintos at that time. “With social media, you just keep hearing more and more and more. We probably still didn’t fully understand until the next day.”

Like so many others, Fauchoux can recall exactly where he was and what he was doing when he got the news. He had guests over for drinks when texts began to come in, each of them steadily more upsetting.

“As the night unveiled and we heard more and, it was a disturbing night, as it was for everybody involved,” Fauchoux said.

At the same time, Tyson Dallman, now director of player development with P.A. Minor Hockey, was at a coaches banquet elsewhere in the city. The horrible news gripped everyone in attendance.

“Being so close to it and so many people being touched by that and knowing players and families involved,” Dallman said, “there was a sense of panic with not knowing all the details but knowing something bad had happened.”

It was hours before the extent of the tragedy was known, and even before the full depth of the crash had left its mark on the hockey world, people throughout the country were caught between mourning and shock.

“As I got home that night, I sat down and started to think, and you couldn’t help but think about all those times you were on a bus,” said Dallman. “As a player, it was a pretty carefree environment. You’re hanging out with all your pals on the bus. It seems like that should be a place where you feel safe, protected. You get to enjoy some of those moments more than the actual hockey.”

It’s a feeling that everyone who has ridden a bus with a team of any kind can appreciate. Perhaps it was that understanding of the tragedy that contributed to the overwhelming display of support that followed. From Saskatchewan through the rest of Canada and then throughout the world, people rallied around the Broncos and their families.

“Anybody who’s ever been part of a team or on a bus can reflect on how you feel when you get on a bus,” Hunt said. “The outpouring of not just financial support, I mean to this day, there are sticks outside my home… The Logan Boulet effect, and the organ donation, we all remember that.”

For some, it feels as if the tragedy happened much more recently than five years ago. “It feels like yesterday” is a common refrain. Others are very keenly aware of just how much time has passed, reminded of it by subtle touches and thoughts of what might have been.

“I keep Adam’s name on my whiteboard,” said Hunt. “He would’ve graduated last year as an overage player. It’s just a reminder.”

The bus, that same safe haven that hockey players and other athletes across the country understood and appreciated so well, began to take on a new significance after that day as well.

“The first time we got on a bus (after the crash), we went to the funeral in Humboldt,” said Fauchoux. “There were some feelings there. There were a whole bunch of people going to bury a friend and see others. That was the first trip.”

The City of Humboldt has planned a series of tributes for April 6. The doors of the Elgar Petersen Arena will be open to those wishing to pay their respects at 4:45 p.m.

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rob.mahon@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RobMahonPxP