It’s been an extremely emotional 24 hours for the people of Humboldt and hockey fans worldwide.
On Friday evening, 15 people passed away when a bus carrying the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League’s Humboldt Broncos was struck by a semi-truck. The team was preparing to participate in a playoff matchup against the SJHL’s Nipawin Hawks. The incident occurred near the town of Gronlid on Highway 35.
The hockey world responded to the tragedy in all sorts of ways. Numerous NHL players expressed their condolences to the family, whereas Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Mike Babcock, who grew up in Saskatoon, shared some emotional words with the media.
Calgary Flames head coach Glen Gulutzan and Edmonton Oilers head coach Todd McLellan are both familiar with the area. Gulutzan grew up in Northern Manitoba while McLellan was born not too far away in Melville, Saskatchewan. Both coaches, along with others shared heartfelt responses to the horrific incident.
The Broncos have received an overwhelming amount of support from both the league and others. The Winnipeg Jets and Chicago Blackhawks will both have ‘Broncos’ on their nameplates, while other franchises including the Vancouver Canucks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers and Montreal Canadiens will wear stickers on the back of their helmets.
A GoFundMe page has been raised to assist the families and has already exceeded $1.784 million dollars. To contribute to the fund, click here.
