The hockey world is an incredibly small community and when tradegy strikes, the impact is endless.
The Humboldt Broncos bus crash affected millions of people across the world, from close family members, friends, girlfriends and anyone that ever rode a team bus or was connected to the sporting world.
Josh Laframboise is a sophomore at Lakehead University and was best friends with former Broncos captain Logan Schatz, who was one of the 16 that perished in the horrific bus crash.
On Saturday night, Laframboise suited up for the Thunderwolves in their second pre-season game of the young season. Down 5-3 in the third period, the Thunderwolves managed to find the equalizer with 1:46 left in the third period.
Overtime would solve nothing, as the two teams needed a shootout to decide the outcome.
Laframboise got the tap on the shoulder as the fourth shooter for Lakehead for a chance to win it. The 22-year-old Thunder Bay, Ontario, product walked in and slid one through the legs of University of Lethbridge goaltender Garrett Hughson to seal the deal for a 6-5 victory.
After he tucked in the game-winner, Lamframboise pointed to the sky to honour his fallen friend in a truly emotional and heart-warming moment.
Laframboise and Schatz played ball hockey together for Team Canada on a line and stayed in contact after hockey divided them geographically.
But spiritually, Schatz was right there with him, and even though Schatz is no longer with us, their friendship will remain intact forever.
