Healing with Humboldt
Sticks out.
Jerseys on.
People in this community are joining those around the world in a showing of sympathy for Saskatchewan’s Humboldt Broncos, engaging in small acts of support and charity that help us connect in a healing process after a tragedy that has left everyone feeling utterly helpless.
One doesn’t have to have a child in hockey or to have played the sport to understand the strength of the hockey community.
That community is in mourning after 16 people were killed, and many others injured, when the bus they were taking to a playoff game last week was involved in a collision with a transport truck.
It has had a devastating ripple effect throughout the hockey community and beyond. The sadness has been felt by anyone who has been part of a close-knit team or has a child in their life who travels country roads by bus – that takes in just about everyone in rural areas.
As you travel through the village this week, you may notice people have placed hockey sticks outside of their front doors as part of a movement started by two BC hockey moms and quickly spread throughout the world. Thursday was jersey day and students at NCPS were encouraged to wear their sports jerseys to school, an initiative speared by a different group of hockey moms.
The Stayner Siskins held a moment of silence before Sunday’s game (Game 3 of the Schmalz Cup semi final against the Lakefield Chiefs) and made a donation to the team.
Dairy Queen in Stayner and Wasaga Beach was selling Blizzards for Humboldt Broncos Thursday.
And, this week local businesses were putting up green and gold ribbons – the Humboldt Broncos’ team colours – while Midwest Metals and the fire hall changed their signs to read Humboldt Strong.
These are just a few examples of how local people are sympathizing with a community that is far away, but not very different from ours.
Being a hockey town, like most towns in Canada big or small, residents want to do something to help. So much so that people are donating money to a number of online fundraising campaigns, which are far exceeding their goals. One campaign alone has raised millions of dollars. It is a wonderful outpouring of generosity.
Coming up on April 14, Huronia West OPP and other first responders are playing a fundraising hockey game against Wasaga Beach Minor Hockey coaches.
“The event has been in the works for a while. However, after learning of the recent tragedy near Humboldt, Saskatchewan, it has been decided that all proceeds from the event will go to the Humboldt Broncos Hockey Team. Organizers will be taking donations at the door. Food, raffle prizes and a 50/50 draw will happen during the game,” said police.
The game is at Wasaga Stars Arena this Saturday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
