HUMBOLDT, Sask. B次元官网网址� The Humboldt Broncos emerged from tragedy Wednesday night, launching a new hockey season with the help of many of the players who survived the teamB次元官网网址檚 deadly bus crash in April.
Eight of the surviving players dropped the puck in the ceremonial faceoff of the clubB次元官网网址檚 first regular-season game since 16 were killed five months ago.
Two others suited up and played.
The Broncos fell 2-1 to the Nipawin Hawks, last yearB次元官网网址檚 Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League champions, but though it was a night marked by sadness, there was also celebration.
The get the opening goal of the season, courtesy of Michael Clarke!
B次元官网网址� TSN (@TSN_Sports)
Brayden Camrud and Derek Patter were both in the game, the only two players who were in the crash and are back on the Broncos this season.
Kaleb Dahlgren, who is now playing university hockey in Ontario, said it was important to be there.
B次元官网网址淚 think it is a step in the healing process for sure,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淭onight definitely helps heal the wounds but it wonB次元官网网址檛 for sure heal everything. There is still lots that need to be done.B次元官网网址�
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Some of their injuries were still apparent.
Xavier Labelle, who was initially mistaken as being among the dead, has a large scar running across his forehead down to his eye.
Goaltender Jacob Wassermann used a wheelchair to get onto the ice.
Patter and Camrud shared a brief hug after they skated onto the ice as the crowd stood and cheered. Camrud overcame a severe concussion, loss of feeling in one of his arms and neck issues.
Many family members were also there.
DahlgrenB次元官网网址檚 dad, Mark, was struck by the tribute photos outside the arena as he and his son pulled up.
B次元官网网址淚 just saw all the pictures of the people that passed on the bus and I just looked over at him and said: B次元官网网址楽ure glad your pictureB次元官网网址檚 not up there,B次元官网网址橞次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e the lucky ones and we donB次元官网网址檛 take it for granted. Every day we are appreciative to have him with us.B次元官网网址�
His son said it felt different pulling up to the rink and not playing.
B次元官网网址淚t felt like I moved on, onto the next chapter. IB次元官网网址檓 in university now and IB次元官网网址檓 on that hockey team now,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a new chapter for me and itB次元官网网址檚 a new chapter for this team.B次元官网网址�
But the game was difficult for at least one of the players who suffered lifelong injuries in the crash.
Former Broncos player Ryan Straschnitzki, who was paralyzed from the chest down in the crash, opted not to watch the season opener in person. He wasnB次元官网网址檛 even sure he wanted to watch the game on TV even though itB次元官网网址檚 been on his mind.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 not my team anymore,B次元官网网址� Straschnitzki said. B次元官网网址淚 wish them the best of luck but itB次元官网网址檚 not my team and itB次元官网网址檚 going to be hard to watch knowing that I should be out there.B次元官网网址�
Tom Straschnitzki said he understands why his son might be hesitant.
As Canadians excitedly return to the ice with the start of hockey season we remember, honour and celebrate the Humboldt Broncos as they kick off their season tonight. 馃挍馃挌
B次元官网网址� Hockey Canada (@HockeyCanada)
B次元官网网址淗e should be playing in this home opener today as with the other players,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a difficult day.B次元官网网址�
Humboldt Mayor Robert Muench said he thinks the game marks a step forward for his small city.
B次元官网网址淚 think people were B次元官网网址� really looking forward to the season getting going and seeing the new team and seeing the results of a lot of work from a lot of people getting the team back on the ice,B次元官网网址� he said.
B次元官网网址淚n my mind, itB次元官网网址檚 kind of a new page, a new chapter in the book I guess moving forward as a community and as a team.B次元官网网址�
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was to watch the game in Saskatoon, said all of Canada was cheering for the Broncos.
B次元官网网址淭o 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� Trudeau said earlier in the day.
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�
The opponents Wednesday were the Hawks B次元官网网址� the same team the Broncos were travelling to face the night of the crash.
The Broncos will board a bus again Friday and head to Nipawin for a rematch.
Jamie Brockman, president of the Broncos, said the team is grateful for all the support it has received from across Canada and the world.
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� he 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 Broncos lost their coach, Darcy Haugan, in the crash. Former NHLer Nathan Oystrick takes his place.
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 inscribed outside the teamB次元官网网址檚 dressing room.
The Canadian Press
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