Canadian support pours in after tragic Humboldt bus crash involving junior hockey team kills 14

Apr 7 2018, 11:36 pm

UPDATE: Police have since stated that there were actually 29 people on the bus, 15 killed by the crash, and 14 injured. 

A bus carrying a Canadian junior hockey team collided with a tractor-trailer Friday evening in Saskatchewan, killing 14 people and injuring 14 others, authorities said.

Police say there were 28 people onboard the bus, which was en route to Nipawin for a Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League semifinals playoff game, when the crash took place about 30 kilometres north of Tisdale, Saskatchewan.

“Our thoughts and prayers are extended to the families of our staff and athletes as well as to all who have been impacted by this horrible tragedy. Our Broncos family is in shock as we try to come to grips with our incredible loss,” said Humboldt Broncos President, Kevin Garinger in a statement.

Police say head coach Darcy Haugan and team captain Logan Schatz were among the 14 people killed in the crash.

Most of the Humboldt Broncos players are from Saskatchewan and Alberta and range in age from 16 to 21, according to an online team roster.

A GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign, set up by a resident of Humboldt, has raised more than $720,000, at the time of publishing, to help players and families cope following the crash.

Following the news, tributes have been pouring in on social media to honour the victims and everyone affected.

Prime Minister Trudeau’s full statement:

“An entire country is in shock and mourning today as we learn more about the tragic bus crash involving the Humboldt Broncos that claimed the lives of 14 people, and injured many more.

We are heartbroken knowing many of those we lost had their entire lives in front of them. We grieve with those facing news no parent or family should ever have to face. And our hearts go out to the community that has lost teammates, coaches, friends, and mentors.

This is every parent’s worst nightmare. No one should ever have to see their child leave to play the sport they love and never come back.

Our national hockey family is a close one, with roots in almost every town – small and big – across Canada. Humboldt is no exception, and today the country and the entire hockey community stands with you.

I thank the first responders – the RCMP, the Provincial Response Team, and medical personnel – who worked tirelessly through the night, and continue to respond to this incredibly difficult situation with courage and professionalism.

To the entire Humboldt community: We are here for you. As neighbours, as friends, and as Canadians, we grieve alongside you.”

Ainsley SmithAinsley Smith

+ News
+ Canada
+ Offside
+ Hockey
ADVERTISEMENT