In a devastating incident on April 6, 2018, a bus carrying the Humboldt Broncos, a junior hockey team from Saskatchewan, Canada, was involved in a catastrophic collision with a semi-trailer truck. The crash resulted in 15 fatalities and 14 injuries, profoundly impacting the hockey community.SI+6NHL+6AP News+6
The Incident
The Broncos were en route to a playoff game against the Nipawin Hawks when the accident occurred on Highway 35 near Tisdale, Saskatchewan. Among the deceased were the team’s head coach, Darcy Haugan, and captain, Logan Schatz. The crash left the bus and truck in a mangled state, with debris scattered across the scene .infotel.ca+5NHL+5Fox Sports+5infotel.ca+4Fox Sports+4ABC News+4
Maple Leafs’ Response
Toronto Maple Leafs coach Mike Babcock, a native of Saskatchewan, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. Fighting back tears, he stated, “It’s got to rip the heart out of your chest… We pray for those families and think about them. Horrific, horrific accident” .NHL+5Barrie Today+5AP News+5
Players Tyler Bozak and Patrick Marleau, both from Saskatchewan, also shared their condolences. Bozak remarked, “All of us have spent a lot of time on buses. Just a tragedy and you can’t really put into words anything” .SI+1NHL+1
Community Support
In the wake of the tragedy, the hockey community rallied to support the victims’ families. A GoFundMe campaign raised over $3.2 million, with contributions from various NHL teams, including the Maple Leafs, and hockey equipment manufacturer Bauer Hockey .
Legacy and Reflection
The Humboldt Broncos bus crash remains a poignant reminder of the risks associated with travel in youth sports. It united the hockey world in grief and solidarity, highlighting the importance of community and support in times of tragedy.
As the anniversary of the incident approaches, the memory of those lost continues to inspire acts of kindness and remembrance within the hockey community and beyond.
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