P.A. vigil honours Broncos as Rebels win Senator’s Cup
Red Pheasant Rebels captain Sheldon Wuttunee has lifted the Senator’s Cup over his head before, but Sunday’s championship will always feel a little different.
When Wuttunee’s Rebels defeated the Norway House Bruins 6-2 in the finals at the Art Hauser Centre, his heart was heavy for the Humboldt Broncos after their bus collided with a semi-trailer and killed 15 passengers Friday evening.
“When I was younger, I had an opportunity to play a game with Humboldt and my younger brother Drew got to play there for a couple years, so that hits home,” Wuttunee said. “We have a couple friends that have kids, one is okay and one’s not doing well, but we wish the best for them.”
Throughout the weekend, Senator’s Cup players and organizers paid tribute to the Humboldt team. On Saturday, they held a prayer ceremony before the 3 p.m. game, and on Sunday, a vigil was held before the final game. Each member of the Rebels and Bruins kneeled around the centre ice circle in unison. The lights in the Art Hauser Centre were dimmed, except the spotlights at centre ice, illuminating a stand with three jerseys on it.