Whitecourt vigil honours those devastated by bus crash

 

Odds are, most people hadn’t heard of the Humboldt Broncos prior to Friday, April 6. With hundreds of hockey clubs across the country, it would be next to impossible to know them all by name and pinpoint them on a map. That isn’t the case now, though, as not only do most Canadians know of them, but so do millions of people around the world. If only the story of why wasn’t so devastating.

Ranging from ages 16 through 21, the Humboldt Broncos of the SJHL were likely having a fantastic time on the bus. They could’ve been playing cards, watching a movie, discussing the upcoming game, or even relaxing after a busy week. The sounds on the bus were probably a mixture of talking and laughing as everyone enjoyed each other’s company. One thing is certain and that’s that the group was feeling safe with an accident being the furthest thing from their minds.

Then, in just seconds, everything changed as the bus they rode in collided with a transport truck north of Tisdale, SK, a mere 28 kilometres from its destination. The players and staff went from fighting in the playoffs to fighting for their lives. The front end of the bus where team personnel often sit was obliterated. Head coach Darcy Haugan, 42, assistant coach Mark Cross, 27, play-by-play announcer from BOLT FM Tyler Bieber, 29, statistician Brody Hinz, 18, who was being mentored by Bieber, and driver Glen Doerksen, 59, were killed, likely instantly.

The Broncos athletic therapist, Dayna Brons, sustained life-threatening injuries. Doctors tried desperately to save her life, but she sadly succumbed to her injuries on Wednesday, April 11, five days after the accident. In a statement, her family said that she passed away peacefully, surrounded by those she loved and those who loved her.

Ten beautiful young men from Saskatchewan and Alberta were also lost in the crash and will be missed terribly. Jaxon Joseph, 20; Logan Hunter, 18; Connor Lukan, 21; Logan Boulet, 21; Adam Herold, 16; Evan Thomas, 18; Jacob Leicht, 19; Logan Schatz, 20; and Parker Tobin, 18, were taken away far too soon. Stephen Wack, 21, was also lost in the tragic accident and was one of a couple of players on the bus to have ties to Whitecourt. Stephen was a Wolverine two years ago and spent several months in the community. His smile was infectious, and he fit right in with both the team and the billet family that cared for him like he was their own.

On Monday, April 9, a candlelight vigil was held at the Scott Safety Centre to honour the players, staff, and families of the Humboldt Broncos. The scoreboard was changed to say Humboldt Broncos and Stephen Wack’s jersey and pictures of himself and the Broncos team were on display. One by one guests lit candles for each member on the bus. Small candles were lit for those who were still alive and tall candles were lit for those who were lost.

Mayors Chichak and Rennie both spoke along with Neil Shewchuk from XM105 who spent more than two decades as a member of the broadcasting team in Humboldt covering the Broncos. He said he needed to be at the vigil, so he could start to heal. Those sentiments were shared by everyone in attendance because, whether you had personal ties or not, the tragedy in Humboldt could have happened anywhere.

The experience of riding on the bus as a team, regardless of the sport, is one that is shared by so many people. From elementary up into high school, many students who take part in sports will travel together at some point. The realization that this horrendous event could have happened anywhere has brought millions of people together to support the Humboldt Broncos and their families. A GoFundMe account opened shortly after the accident has climbed to well over $11 million and shows no signs of stopping.  Over 120,000 people from over 60 countries have donated.

Many communities have held vigils, as Whitecourt did, and signs of support can be seen far and wide from stickers on vehicles, to green ribbons and posts on social media, and showing sticks being left on porches worldwide. Families of Humboldt Broncos players and staff said the support has been overwhelming. During the Whitecourt vigil, a banner was laid out for attendees to sign with their words of comfort and love. Following the event, the banner was laminated and delivered to Humboldt where it now resides on the ice surface of the Elgar Petersen Arena.

In the coming weeks and months, keep the Humboldt Broncos players that are still in hospital in your prayers and thoughts. As of this writing, there are still two players who remain in critical condition and three that have been released. That leaves roughly eight players who are still in hospital who need strength from their country.