Hockey world and beyond mourn after Humboldt Broncos tragedy
Thoughts and prayers and pouring in from across Canada and beyond in the aftermath of the devastating accident involving the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team on Friday night.
RCMP confirmed Saturday morning that 14 people were killed and 14 injured, some still in critical condition, when a truck collided with the bus carrying the team to a playoff game in northeastern Saskatchewan. The team’s coach and captain are amongst the deceased.
U.S. president Donald Trump paid his condolences via a phone call with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who also joined Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and NHL commissioner Gary Bettman in sharing their thoughts on the devastating crash.
Just spoke to @JustinTrudeau to pay my highest respect and condolences to the families of the terrible Humboldt Team tragedy. May God be with them all!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 7, 2018
I cannot imagine what these parents are going through, and my heart goes out to everyone affected by this terrible tragedy, in the Humboldt community and beyond. https://t.co/2cIn2CTy08
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) April 7, 2018
We send condolence, comfort and strength to all affected by the devastating crash involving the Humboldt Broncos’ team bus. pic.twitter.com/VScEay6sZv
— NHL (@NHL) April 7, 2018
Words can not describe the loss that we feel tonight.
From a grieving province, thank you to first responders & medical professionals for courageous response under the most difficult circumstances imaginable.
Tonight, we all must pray for these families.https://t.co/dEnhKMkDxJ
— Scott Moe (@PremierScottMoe) April 7, 2018
Hockey Night in Canada host Ron MacLean travels the length and breadth of the country for Hometown Hockey and was solemn and supportive in his response to the tragic events, as was former Team Canada captain Hayley Wickenheiser.
Humbolt Broncos…Victims, loved ones. We are reaching out to hold you. To share . In this moment all that ever happened doesn't seem to matter. It did. It does.They do. You do. We love you.
— Ron MacLean (@RonMacLeanHTH) April 7, 2018
We are all here for you. Whatever. Whenever. ❤️ #prayforhumboldt pic.twitter.com/Vb4Mhj1N49
— Hayley Wickenheiser (@wick_22) April 7, 2018
Many NHL players, including Toronto Maple Leaf and Saskatchewan native Tyler Bozak, have offered their thoughts and prayers, some sharing stories and fond memories from their days riding buses in the junior hockey leagues, while Mike Babcock was visibility emotional speaking to the media ahead of the Leafs’ game in Montreal.
So heartbreaking. Sending all my prayers and love to the families and everyone involved back home in Saskatchewan. #prayforhumboldt
— Tyler Bozak (@Bozie42) April 7, 2018
Thoughts and prayers to the @HumboldtBroncos players, families, and everyone involved back home in Sask. The hockey community is with you. #prayforhumboldt pic.twitter.com/r24NeRVAtz
— Brayden Schenn (@Bschenn_10) April 7, 2018
Tyler Myers shares his thoughts on the Humboldt Broncos bus tragedy. pic.twitter.com/nmiHpGJ2jb
— #PrayersForHumboldt (@NHLJets) April 7, 2018
Mike Babcock was clearly emotional when speaking about the Humboldt Broncos tragedy.
Here is what he had to say. pic.twitter.com/3XQkmtITG3
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 7, 2018
Devastating to scroll through the timeline this morning, seeing images of those boys from Humboldt.
Nothing could beat piling onto a bus with your best friends and heading to the rink.
The longer the drive the better.
Those were sacred times. Felt safe.#PrayersForHumboldt
— Justin Cuthbert (@jccuthbert) April 7, 2018
Meanwhile, Humboldt resident Sylvie Kellington, whose son played for The Broncos Bantam A team last season, started a GoFundMe campaign following the crash and the crowdfunding campaign has already raised over $180,000 in just 12 hours. The tragedy has also touched many beyond the hockey world.
My heart breaks this morning for the entire Humboldt Broncos community. I am sending so much love to everyone affected.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) April 7, 2018
Hearing about that really gets to me. World doesn’t make sense sometimes. Prayers with all of my Saskatchewan family! #HumboldtBroncos
— Marcus Stroman (@MStrooo6) April 7, 2018
We are all Broncos now. This story is so tragic and every Canadian will feel it. It strikes to the heart of so many small towns and big where we watch our young board buses and travel the countryside for the game we all love. So incredibly sad. #prayforhumbolt
— Peter Mansbridge (@petermansbridge) April 7, 2018
Teammates forever. #prayforhumbolt pic.twitter.com/rqx1nzbcka
— Peter Mansbridge (@petermansbridge) April 7, 2018