The sports world is showing its support for the 15 Humboldt Broncos players and staff killed in a tragic bus collision by placing hockey sticks outside of their homes.
Social media channels have been flooded with photos of hockey sticks lined up outside of people’s homes, trending under the hashtags #SticksOutForHumboldt and #PutYourSticksOut.
The symbolic gesture picked up steam following an emotional vigil Sunday evening at Elger Petersen Arena in Humboldt, the home of the Broncos.
The response has been overwhelming, with hundreds of people from around the world posting photos of their tributes on social media.
Here in Canada, photos of sticks placed on porches and at an outdoor skating rink have been shared.
#HumboldtStrong #bh10 pic.twitter.com/Jpf7THYvmr
— Bruce Bell Hockey (@bbhs2000) April 9, 2018
The boys and I put our sticks out on the porch tonight. #HumboldtStrong #Broncos pic.twitter.com/qidZFDqHQE
— Jamie Rivers (@JamieRivers08) April 9, 2018
So many tears here, thoughts and prayers #HumboltBroncos pic.twitter.com/GKjCpdgaBs
— McOil Fan Chaddo (@oilfanchaddo) April 9, 2018
Leaving one out on the porch for the #humboldt boys, they might need it. pic.twitter.com/6RoQ4xik6E
— UC Bearcat Hockey (@UCIceHockey) April 9, 2018
We are with you in Yorkton pic.twitter.com/gZ96sfZ22G
— Carla Lammers (@LammersCarla) April 9, 2018
“maybe we should leave some sticks by the rink tonight buddy”….. “dad, I like that idea” #HumboldtStrong pic.twitter.com/ZCQxdkx3sO
— Ambrose M. Allin (@iAmBrose8) April 9, 2018
We will remember 💚 #HumboldtBroncos #prayersforhumboldt #broncostrong #humboldtstrong pic.twitter.com/qs2kCctf4u
— Aisling (@Aisling_HkyMom) April 9, 2018
The gesture was even picked up in the US, with hockey families and players sharing their own touching tributes.
#PutYourStickOut @HumboldtBroncos Hell’s Kitchen, NYC is with you. 💔 pic.twitter.com/8RJCAlmcPi
— lgrcolleen (@lgrcolleen) April 9, 2018
In honor of the #HumboldtBroncos we will leave our sticks out with the lights on in Pittsburgh. #putyourstickout #HumboldtStrong pic.twitter.com/O1e0QZdMGM
— Cristy Meinert (@CMeinert) April 9, 2018
It’s 70 degrees in Florida, but it’s hard to enjoy the warmth knowing how hard it must be in Humboldt. Sticks are out, lights are green, hearts are broken. Stay strong, Bronco Nation. #PutYourStickOut pic.twitter.com/Xeo6b32f1o
— Mac D. Addy (@thoughtivity) April 9, 2018
Sending our thoughts and prayers from Littleton Colorado. #HumboldtBroncos #BroncoStrong #PrayersForHumboldt pic.twitter.com/kJCUK3Uc5S
— Steve Miller (@SPmillerOSU) April 9, 2018
Easiest decision ever. Just in case they want to play hockey in the sun for a bit, here’s one left out in Phoenix. #HumboldtStrong pic.twitter.com/Oga4wiLjo1
— Catherine Silverman (@catmsilverman) April 9, 2018
From the OC. Rest In Peace Boys pic.twitter.com/xnAIJqi54j
— D Croston (@croston_d) April 9, 2018
One of the guys can use mine. It shoots a little high, but it should work just fine pic.twitter.com/DUMrkYtfbw
— Gunnar Esiason (@G17Esiason) April 9, 2018
The Jakarta Dragons, a hockey team from Jakarta, Indonesia, even shared a tribute on Twitter.
Jakarta, Indonesia is leaving out different sizes, curves just in case #HumboldtStrong pic.twitter.com/wpgXWwISCd
— Jakarta Dragons (@JakartaDragons) April 9, 2018
The crash has touched the hearts of people from around the world and received an incredible outpour of support and sympathy.
Following the crash, a GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign was set up by Humboldt resident Sylvie Kellington to raise funds for those affected by the tragedy.
At the time of publication, the campaign has raised over $5 million in donations by over 72,500 people in just two days, making it Canada’s most generous GoFundMe campaign ever.