HUMBOLDT — The City of Humboldt is marking the fifth anniversary of a collision that rocked the nation.
On April 6, 2018, the Humboldt Broncos were on their way to Nipawin to to face the Nipawin Hawks in a playoff game. At the intersection of Highways 35 and 335, a west-bound semi-truck failed to stop, hitting the Broncos’ team bus. Sixteen people died. Thirteen survived.
Humboldt Mayor Michael Behiel has proclaimed April 6, 2023, as 2017-18 Humboldt Broncos Day in the city of Humboldt to mark the event.
“His worship encourages all citizens to remember and honour those who were impacted by the tragedy of April 6, 2018, and to observe a moment of silence this April 6 at 4:50 p.m., the approximate time the tragedy occurred five years ago,” said the City of Humboldt proclamation.
The city is hosting a hybrid tribute of online content and a showing of videos at the Elgar Petersen Arena today.
The next day, April 7, has been proclaimed as Green Shirt Day in the city of Humboldt, in honour of Logan Boulet. Boulet died from his injuries five years ago on April 7, 2018, but as an organ donor, his organs went to others, inspiring other people to become organ donors.
“Mayor Behiel encourages all citizens to wear green this April 7 to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation and to ‘have the kitchen table talk’ with their families,” the city said in a media release.
In a news release, the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League said its governors, staff and administration send their deepest thoughts, prayers and warmest regards to the families and friends of the 2018 Humboldt Broncos.
"May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace," the league said.
Among the others who died in the collision were Darcy Haugan and Mark Cross. Haugan was in his third season as the team's head coach and general manager. He finished his junior hockey playing career with the Estevan Bruins during the 1995-96 season. He then served as an assistant coach with the Bruins from December 2000 until January 2003. He finished the 2002-03 season as the acting co-head coach and general manager alongside Doug Trapp.
Cross, meanwhile, was the Broncos' assistant coach. He played three seasons with the Bruins from 2008-09 to 2010-11, and twice won the Bruins' Bill Shinske Ethics Award. The award has since been renamed in honour of Cross.
