Last Thursday, two MJHL teams, dignitaries, special guests, and 1500 fans wore their hearts on their sleeves (and the word BRONCOS on their jerseys) at a special pre-game tribute for the Humboldt Broncos hockey team.
Fans offered tears, cheers, donations, and applause for the wounded SJHL team.
Players on both teams covered their own names on their jerseys with a green "Broncos” patch and faced each other across the ice, not as rivals but as comrades in a common cause.
Minor hockey players stood solemnly beside the MJHL players, all sticks out. Listening and watching as the names and faces of the Broncos were projected on the video screens. Followed by 16 seconds of silence, one for each of the deceased.
Then young Hailey Plaisier, wearing an oversized Oil Caps jersey, took the mic and performed the hardest job of the evening – she sang the national anthem without a tremble in her hands or a waver in her voice. A goosebump moment.
Jamie Hodson of the Oil Capitals said later, “We wanted Humboldt to realize everyone is thinking of them and that this was our way to honour what has happened.”
“Everyone involved and in attendance at the game showed true heart and love for the whole community of Humboldt and the Broncos organization.”
More than $18,000 was raised that evening from ribbons, t-shirts, and 50/50 tickets – all heading to the Broncos organization.
“It was pretty overwhelming,” said Oil Caps governor Bob Berry on the team’s website. “That number is probably higher than anyone expected. It’s just a testament to the community and everyone involved that was part of it.”
