NEWS

The Wellington Dukes and Aurora Tigers form a circle at centre ice to pay tribute to the Humboldt Broncos before their OJHL semifinal playoff game at the Aurora Community Centre on April 8, 2018. (OJHL photo / Jim Mason)

Three years ago today – April 6, 2018 – the hockey community and the entire country was rocked.

Sixteen people were killed and 13 injured when the Humboldt Broncos bus was struck by a truck on a rural Saskatchewan highway.

Memorials sprung up, including hockey-stick tributes placed on front porches. Moments of silence were observed at Ontario Junior Hockey League playoff games that spring. Fans wore ribbons in the Broncos’ colours, gold and green.

In the fall of 2018, memorial banners honouring the Humboldt team with the motto “We Play For Them” were erected in the home rinks of all 22 OJHL teams.

“In these unprecedented times, with the entire globe continuing to deal with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the CJHL, along with the each of its members, including the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League as well as its partner, Hockey Canada, and the entire hockey world pauses today to reflect and fondly remember everyone effected as a result of the tragedy,” The Canadian Junior Hockey League said in a statement.

To the families, the entire CJHL – including the OJHL – remains steadfast in its continued remembrance and support to each and everyone, including the Broncos organization, who continue to deal with it all as time marches on.

Monday saw the launch of the proposed $25-million Humboldt Broncos Tribute Centre & Memorial, which will help signify the legacy of all those lost or injured on the horrific day.

To learn more, or contribute, to the Humboldt Broncos Tribute Centre & Memorial, visit the project’s website at: broncostributecampaign.com.

#HumboldtStrong - #Broncostribute

With files from the CJHL