A terrible tragedy happened north of the border that every hockey family has nightmares about.
The Humboldt Broncos, a member of the 12-team Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, was involved in a traffic accident Friday with 15 fatalities, according to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The under-20 team was on their way to play a game against the Nipawin Hawks when the bus was T-boned by a transport truck.
The game was canceled.
This picture was just sent to us by a witness at the Humboldt Broncos crash. STARS dispatched, RCMP on scene. #sask #SJHL pic.twitter.com/vp4jbC8pUz
— Chris Vandenbreekel (@Vandecision) April 7, 2018
One person that is known to have died in the crash is the team’s head coach, Darcy Haugen. His sister Debbie announced the news on her Twitter account.
My brother didn’t make it…
— invisigirlonfire (@DebbieJayneC) April 7, 2018
The Broncos’ president Kevin Garinger called the collision a “horrible tragedy.”
“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,” Garinger said in a statement through the the team’s website. “Our Broncos family is in shock as we try to come to grips with our incredible loss.”
Canadian prime minister Justin Tradeau said this about the accident.
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
Meanwhile, Gary Bettman released the following statement on Saturday morning.
Our thoughts are with the players, families, coaches, team management and all those throughout the community who have been affected by the tragedy involving the Humboldt Broncos hockey team. The NHL mourns the passing of those who perished and offers strength and comfort to those injured while traveling to play and be part of a game they all love.
Barry Trotz spoke about the tragedy after Capitals practice.
Here are Barry Trotz’s full comments on the Humboldt Broncos tragedy. Trotz played junior hockey for the Regina Pats in the early 80’s. pic.twitter.com/pEQMBg7ZO8
— Tarik El-Bashir⌨️🎙🏒 (@TarikNBCS) April 7, 2018
Several members of the Capitals organization, who formerly played junior hockey in Canada, responded to the news of the crash including Chandler Stephenson, Brett Connolly, Garrett Mitchell, and Olie Kolzig.
Deepest thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by the horrible and saddening news with the Humboldt Broncos.
— Chandler Stephenson (@CStephenson22) April 7, 2018
Tough news to wake up to this morning. Sending all my thoughts and prayers to the families and those involved in this tragedy. #humboldtbroncos
— Brett Connolly (@bconnolly8) April 7, 2018
— Brett Connolly (@bconnolly8) April 7, 2018
Thoughts and prayers go out to all of the players, families and people involved with the @HumboldtBroncos #prayforhumboldt pic.twitter.com/EGBNqAffQF
— Garrett Mitchell (@Mitchy1_0) April 7, 2018
My heart breaks for the families! https://t.co/XkpRlpF2Xa
— OlieKolzig (@OlieKolzig37) April 7, 2018
Former Capitals defenseman Brendan Witt grew up in Humboldt as a kid.
My heart goes out those impacted by @HumboldtBroncos bus crash. 🙏#PrayersForHumbolt
— Brendan Witt (@Whitemooseranch) April 7, 2018
Hershey Bears prospect Lucas Johansen retweeted this tweet from his former WHL team.
Our thoughts go out to the entire Humboldt Broncos organization and all affected by this tragedy #PrayersForHumboldt
— Kelowna Rockets (@Kelowna_Rockets) April 7, 2018
Former Capitals Brooks Laich, Steve Oleksy, and Michael Latta sent out their condolences.
Just hearing about the unfortunate event regarding the @HumboldtBroncos. I am at a loss for words, but send every ounce of love I have to the individuals and families involved. 🙏 #PrayersForHumboldt
— Brooks Laich (@brookslaich) April 7, 2018
Heart broken to hear the news about the Humboldt Broncos Hockey Club.
— Michael Latta (@Latta17) April 7, 2018
My entire career I’ve looked forward to every bus trip. It’s a time 2 bond with your teammates, play cards, watch movies and reflect. It’s a place where players can forget what happens on the ice. 2night my heart is in Humboldt. @HumboldtBroncos we play for you. #prayforhumboldt
— Steven Oleksy (@StevenOleksy) April 7, 2018
Many players league wide also sent out their thoughts and prayers.
Thoughts are back in Sask tonight with the Humboldt Broncos and their families. Terrible tragedy.
— morgan rielly (@mriles4) April 7, 2018
Praying for the @HumboldtBroncos and there families 🙏🏽
— Matt Dumba (@matt_dumba) April 7, 2018
— Dustin Tokarski (@dustintokarski) April 7, 2018
Thinking of everyone affected by the crash of the Humbolt Broncos bus. I can’t imagine what your going through but praying for all and the hockey world is behind everyone.
— Jordan Martinook (@Martyman17) April 7, 2018
So so sad. Sending lots of prayers to everyone affected. https://t.co/5jK4kdXwbB
— Matt Stajan (@MattStajan18) April 7, 2018
Thoughts going out to everyone affected by the Humboldt Broncos bus crash tonight. Spent a lot of time on a bus playing junior hockey in western Canada. This one hits real close to home. #WeAreAllBroncos #PrayersForHumboldt
— Damon Severson (@dseves7) April 7, 2018
Thoughts and prayers go out to the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team and their families. #PrayersForHumboldt
— Tyson Jost (@josty_17) April 7, 2018
Thoughts and prayers go out to the Humbolt Broncos organization and all the families involved.. Terrible day in the hockey world. #PrayForHumbolt pic.twitter.com/rEL8WwG6p1
— Joel Edmundson (@JEdmundson3) April 7, 2018
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