The hockey community is an incredibly tight knit community in a game that stretches across several provinces and countries.
After the Humboldt Broncos bus crash, the hockey world came together to show their support and condolences for those affected by the horrific tragedy that claimed the life of 16 people.
With a GoFundMe account generating over $9 million, and the viral #PutYourSticksOut initiative that signified the empathy that everyone felt, the compassion shown in a dark time has truly been remarkable.
Last Friday, the Broncos were on their way to Nipawin, Sask., to take on the Nipawin Hawks in the SJHL playoffs. The ‘Hawks needed one more win to advance to the SJHL’s championship series, but as everyone knows at this point, the bus never made it to Nipwain.
Logan Boulet was one of the Broncos that perished in the accident. The 21-year-old defenceman hailed from Lethbridge, and had been accepted to attend the University of Lethbridge following at the conclusion of the season.
Boulet recently signed up to be an organ donor before the crash. He was kept on life support so the doctors could fully extract the organs and properly donate them to the six eventual people in need.
One of Boulet’s childhood friends growing up in Lethbridge was Michael Grant, who happened to play for the Hawks and was facing Goulet and the Broncons.
In a post shared on his Instagram, the 20-year-old spoke out about his relationship with Goulet, and how grateful he was to know such a “kind soul.”
“It’s been hard to find any words at a time like this. I showed up to the rink that Friday night, ready to play game 5 against you and your team, the Humboldt Broncos. I left the rink in tears, praying to God for the safety of you and your teammates, it was my worst nightmare.
“It hasn’t set in that you’re gone. I don’t think it ever will. I aspired to be like you, you were the hardest worker but the most humble, a quiet guy but also one of the funniest guys I’ve came across. Above all you were a genuinely kind soul who cared more for others than yourself. That was demonstrated when you signed your organ donor card and saved the lives of 6 people. You’re my hero. You’re everyone’s hero. I’m sending my prayers to your family, the families of the other 14 who are up there with you, and the survivors of this horrible tragedy. I cannot imagine what you’re going through.”
Grant also acknowledged the passing of fellow Lethbridge native Brock Hirsche, who passed away at age 26 on Sunday morning after years of battling testicular cancer.
"I also want to send my prayers to the Hirsche family. May Brock Rest In Peace. Rest Easy Log. I’ll see you someday, and we’ll finish that series. I love you."
Over 7,600 Albertans registered to donate their organs after hearing about Boulet's inspiring wishes to help those in need. According to Alberta Health, roughly 2,500 registrations typically come in during a normal week.
Rest in peace, Logan.
