The Humboldt Broncos bus crash was one of the most heartbreaking moments of 2018.
In the face of tragedy, though, the hockey community rallied together to support the survivors of the accident, the families of the victims, and the community of Humboldt.
There is an extensive list of NHLers that have shown their support for the Broncos, and Aaron Dell, goalie for the San Jose Sharks, is the latest to show his support for an individual survivor of the crash.
When Aaron and his father, Phil Dell, became aware that Ryan Straschnitzki, who was paralyzed from the chest down in the accident, was from their hometown of Airdrie, Alberta, they were compelled to reach out and offer all the support they could.
“That’s just how the hockey world works. It brings tears to your eyes how everyone looks out for each other. It hit home really hard, so I thought, there’s got to be something that we can do and I started putting feelers out there”, Phil explained to Paul Gackle of The Mercury News.
Phil, who has worked in home renovations for over two decades, understood the reality of how houses have to be altered in order for people in wheelchairs to be self-sufficient in their own homes, a luxury that is often overlooked. Things like ramps, low counters, and wider doorways are vital for these individuals. Immediately, Dell put out a call in his community for help to renovate the home.
The support was overwhelming, and Dell said he received over 400 calls in ne day offering to help.
While Phil and the community of Airdrie got together to make the Straschnitzki home accessible, his NHL son, Aaron, was also inspired to be of assistance.
“It could have happened to any of us,” said Dell. “I couldn’t tell you how many 18-hour bus rides I’ve been on in the middle of winter for hockey. I had a couple accidents during my years on the bus. It could have been me.”
Dell provided financial support by auctioning off autographed Sharks merchandise, but perhaps more importantly, has created a special friendship with the 19-year-old, and has spent a considerable amount of time with him, which will include having him at his game against the Flames on Monday night.
“He’s someone that I really look up to”, said Straschnitzki of Dell, “It’s been absolutely amazing. We can’t thank them enough. That support is helping my recovery. People showing they care. Just doing things, like helping out with the house, goes a long way.”
Dell also had high praises for Straschnitzki, saying that “he’s a really good kid, really fun to be around. He’s one of the most upbeat, positive people I know. He’s really good at seeing the silver lining in what happened. He knows that he still has his life and he’s still able to do some things while some of his teammates weren’t as lucky.”
The two seem to have an equal appreciation for one another, and we think this friendship is one of the many heartwarming things to come out of the Humboldt tragedy.
