Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says all of Canada will be cheering for the Humboldt Broncos tonight when the Saskatchewan junior hockey team plays their first game since a fatal bus crash.
Speaking at a Liberal caucus meeting in Saskatoon, Trudeau said the community of Humboldt suffered unimaginable shock, grief and trauma in April when the teamB次元官网网址檚 bus and a tractor-trailer collided at a rural intersection.
Sixteen people, including 10 players, were killed and 13 players were injured.
B次元官网网址淐anadians everywhere were heartbroken and we mourned alongside the community,B次元官网网址 he told his caucus on Wednesday. B次元官网网址淏ut in the wake of this tragedy, Humboldt has shown incredible resilience and strength.
B次元官网网址淐anadians were quick to share their love, support, generosity and kindness in a moment when it was so desperately needed. So to the people of Humboldt, know that we are with you. Know that we will continue to support you as you heal.B次元官网网址
The Broncos are to play their home opener tonight against the Nipawin Hawks B次元官网网址 the same team the Broncos were supposed to face the night of the crash.
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Trudeau said heB次元官网网址檚 glad that the Broncos will be back on the ice tonight and he wished them the very best.
B次元官网网址淵ou have us and 37 million fans cheering you on,B次元官网网址 he said to applause.
Jamie Brockman, president of the Humboldt Broncos, said the team is grateful for all the support it has received from across Canada and the world. TonightB次元官网网址檚 game and tribute to last yearB次元官网网址檚 team is a turning point for many, he said Wednesday.
B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e going to find out what our new normal is after today,B次元官网网址 Brockman said. B次元官网网址淗ockey is back in Humboldt. We are strong and we are going to survive and we are going to move forward.B次元官网网址
The main entrance to the Elgar Petersen Arena was lined with pictures of all 16 people who died in the crash.
Sixteen hockey sticks adorned with green and yellow ribbons were lined up outside. Nearby a green bench was emblazoned with the words B次元官网网址滱lways in our hearts. 29 on the fateful ride, 16 souls died.B次元官网网址
The Broncos lost their coach, Darcy Haugan, in the crash. Brayden Camrud and Derek Patter are the only two survivors that are back playing with the junior A team this season.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a great day to be a Bronco, gentlemenB次元官网网址 B次元官网网址 something Haugan often told his players B次元官网网址 is now enscribed outside the teamB次元官网网址檚 dressing room.
The teamB次元官网网址檚 new coach, Nathan Oystrick, said heB次元官网网址檚 focusing on his players and has spoken with every member at some point to let them know he is there for them.
B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檓 an open guy,B次元官网网址 he said in an interview Tuesday. B次元官网网址滻f there is something that is bothering them, they can come and talk to me whenever they want.B次元官网网址
Oystrick said he understands that hockey players donB次元官网网址檛 always like talking to their coach.
That is why he has hired longtime friend and former teammate Mark Popovic as the teamB次元官网网址檚 director of personal development and leadership. Popovic has talked to FBI agents about how to deal with trauma, Oystrick added.
Players can also lean on Pastor Sean Brandow, the team chaplain, who is returning for another season. Brandow arrived at the crash site shortly after it happened and spoke at a vigil two days later. He also spoke at the funerals of some of the players.
B次元官网网址淲e want to just love these guys and care for them and be there to support them,B次元官网网址 he said.
Ryan McKenna, The Canadian Press
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