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Why We Love Hockey: Coming Together For The Humboldt Broncos

By Ciara Durant

Flowers, cards and sentimental gifts adorn the ice surface at Humboldt Uniplex during preparations for a prayer vigil for the Humboldt Broncos ice hockey team, April 8, 2018 in Humboldt, Canada.Mourners in the tiny Canadian town of Humboldt, still struggling to make sense of a devastating tragedy, prepared Sunday for a prayer vigil to honor the victims of the truck-bus crash that killed 15 of their own and shook North American ice hockey. / AFP PHOTO / Kymber RAE (Photo credit should read KYMBER RAE/AFP/Getty Images)
Flowers, cards and sentimental gifts adorn the ice surface at Humboldt Uniplex during preparations for a prayer vigil for the Humboldt Broncos ice hockey team, April 8, 2018 in Humboldt, Canada.Mourners in the tiny Canadian town of Humboldt, still struggling to make sense of a devastating tragedy, prepared Sunday for a prayer vigil to honor the victims of the truck-bus crash that killed 15 of their own and shook North American ice hockey. / AFP PHOTO / Kymber RAE (Photo credit should read KYMBER RAE/AFP/Getty Images) /
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All of the reasons I love hockey wouldn’t fit within the confines of a book. I’ve found a common theme present during this season. This The hockey community came together in the aftermath of a tragedy.

When people don’t understand the logistics of hockey, it’s easy for them to make unmerited claims about the sport. One that I’ve heard way too often is that hockey promotes violence. It’s a false assumption. In reality, an attribute of hockey is unification.

It’s been over a month since members of the Humboldt Broncos hockey team were killed in a bus crash. A day will come when we will look back on it as nothing more than a distant memory. On the other hand, the impact this calamity has had on the hockey community will always be remembered.

Sticks Out

The “Sticks Out For Humbolt” campaign swept the continent. For just a moment, it didn’t matter who your favorite team was. Competition for the playoffs ceased, and the world of hockey banded together.

In the wake of tragedy, we were all sorrowful. People across Canada, as well as the United States, left their sticks out on their porches as a memorial to the victims. Setting their sticks in the illumination of their porch lights was symbolic that those who lost their lives, in spirit, could still play the sport they lived for.

The Anaheim Ducks were among the forerunners of this movement in the USA. Many of the Ducks players were strongly affected by the tragedy. It especially hit close to home for our Captain, Ryan Getzlaf, a native of Saskatchewan.

To show their support, Anaheim players banded together and left their sticks outside of the Honda Center near the Wild Wing statue. The team auctioned off their sticks to raise funds for the victims and their families.

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Support didn’t stop there. The team encouraged fans to leave their sticks outside as well. Any stick that was left was donated to The Rinks youth program for those in financial need, in honor of the Humboldt Broncos. So many of you selflessly left your sticks, which went to help kids play hockey who don’t have the financial means to play otherwise.

A Stanley Cup Saint

A story that recently touched my heart involved one of the players who is currently vying for the Stanley Cup. Marc-Andre Fleury, the Vegas Golden Knights goalie, hosted the sons of late Humbolt Broncos coach Darcy Haugan on Wednesday night.

During the game, Haugan’s wife and two sons were introduced at T-Mobile Arena. They received roaring applause and a standing ovation in honor of the Broncos. After the game, Fleury invited the boys to join him in the locker room. They talked about the Knights victory over Winnipeg and Marc-Andre helped the boys try on his gear.

Fluery’s compassion and genuine heart towards the family is a testament that hockey isn’t just a game, it’s a lifestyle and community.

The Vegas Golden Knights team was the perfect group to host this heartbroken family. After the Vegas shooting on October 1, 2017, they too are no stranger to heartbreak and tragedy.

This Is Where The Healing Begins

There has been no lack of support for the Humboldt Broncos community. Over the past few weeks, approximately fifteen million dollars was raised to help the families cope. However, there is more going on.

Hockey moms banded together and started a campaign to deliver bouquets of flowers and hugs to the women who lost their sons in the accident. Mothers Day was a hard day for the women affected by the tragedy. These hockey moms worked hard to deliver 55 bouquets to Humboldt moms on Mothers Day.

There was also a beautiful tribute to the team during the Memorial Cup opening ceremony on May 17. During the ceremony, a video was played as a tribute to the team while Jack Semple performed the song Hallelujah. The performance left all of the attendees in tears.

The tragic events of April 6, 20,18 will haunt these families forever. In its wake, a loving community of fellow hockey players and fans has surrounded them. Our compassion and support will help the healing process to little more bearable.

Next: The Canes are selling, should the Ducks be buyers?

The Humboldt Broncos will be taking some time to rebuild but will be back next season.

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