April 17, 2018
Bryanna Winner
Hockey fans across the nation are mourning the loss of a beloved team.
On April 6, 15 members of the Humboldt Broncos, a hockey team based in Saskatchewan, Canada, were killed in a bus crash with a semi-truck. Two radio announcers, 10 players and the driver died of their injuries.
Teams and former players, including those at UCCS, have also expressed their condolences since the crash occurred.
“What has happened with the Humboldt Broncos Hockey team, their community, all the families and others involved is a tragedy,” said UCCS Club Hockey treasurer Wyatt Smith.
“No amount of words, money or thoughts can fill the void that this event has created in that community.”
Players understand the dangers of travel, said Smith. “All of us on the UCCS Ice Hockey Club team have been a part of those long trips on dangerous winter roads throughout our hockey careers,” he said.
Senior psychology major Matthew Seidel, a former hockey player, echoed Smith’s sentiment.
“It is a tragic loss for the hockey community,” said Seidel.
“For those of us who have travelled for the sport, we have all been there with our team on the long roadies. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like to lose your family and team in an accident like that.”
NHL teams have responded as well, planning to hold a moment of silence prior to the start of their games. Donations have also been made to the Humboldt Broncos.
On April 10, Pittsburgh Penguin Sidney Crosby signed personalized messages to the survivors and arranged for a Penguins jersey to say Broncos on the back along with signatures from the team.
“It has been outstanding and beautiful to see the hockey world do everything they can to ease the pain, remember those lost, and help with the grieving process,” said Smith. “It’s a blessing and an honor to be a part of the hockey community because you know they have your back, no matter what.”
A GoFundMe page has raised $8.5 million to help families involved with the crash. The page has become the largest campaign in Canada, according to CNN, and is in the top five in GoFundMe history.
“I speak for all of us when I say that we will be thinking of those lost and their families and will always be there to help or show support in whatever way we can. Rest in Peace,” said Smith.