More than 600 people came out Thursday night to the Castlegar Complex to show support for the victims and families of those killed and injured in the Humboldt Broncos bus accident.
They were all decked out in every imaginable hockey jersey as a tribute to the power and impact of hockey in the community.
After a standing ovation for the many first responders in attendance, Elder Bev Gillard, director and vice-chair of the Circle of Indigenous Nations Society, opened the vigil with a blessing.
Watch a replay of the vigil at the bottom of the story
Castlegar Rebels president Mike Johnstone opened the formal presentations with a deeply personal and emotional speech, capably bringing home why this tragedy impacted every community across Canada.
“I started taking a mental tour of our team bus on road trips. I could see head coach Bill Rotheisler up on the right, bus driver Robert behind the wheel up front, J.R. Ross right behind him, and then you turn around, and you look back towards the back of the bus, and there are your kids, your boys, your sons,” Johnstone said through tears. “I can tell you, there’s no place those boys would rather be than on that bus, and there’s nowhere they are more comfortable than on that bus with their brothers.”
Selkirk Saints head coach Brent Heaven joined former Saints player — and former Humboldt Broncos player — Ashton McLeod to share their thoughts. McLeod, wearing his Humboldt Broncos jersey with a bright ‘A’ on the chest, was able to deliver his remarks despite the still-fresh grief that was evident. Heaven rested an arm on Ashton’s shoulder to steady him during the more difficult passages.
“Humboldt, this small town farming community became a second home for me. With a population of only 6,000 people, this place is a hockey community, it is their backbone. It’s what everyone looks forward to at the end of the week to head down to the arena, and support their hometown Broncos,” McLeod said.
