Hockey world mourns Saskatchewan bus tragedy
If further evidence is needed that the hockey world is a tight-knit community, look no further than those who offered their support and condolences following the tragic bus crash in Saskatchewan that killed 14 people and injured 14 others.
The Humboldt Broncos of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League were en route to a road playoff game in Nipawin on Friday when their team bus was struck by a tractor trailer.
My heart is heavy right now. Praying for all those affected by the Humboldt Broncos tragedy.
— Milan Lucic (@27MilanLucic) April 7, 2018
Thoughts and prayers to all the players and families of the Humboldt Broncos. #PrayersForHumboldt 🙏🏼
— Jamie Benn (@jamiebenn14) April 7, 2018
Thoughts and prayers to the @HumboldtBroncos players, families, and everyone involved #Prayforhumboldt
— Timo Meier (@MeierTimo) April 7, 2018
Thinking of you tonight @HumboldtBroncos thoughts and prayers go out to everyone impacted by this horrible tragedy #prayforhumboldt
— Curtis Lazar (@CurtisLazar95) April 7, 2018
Sending my deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers to the friends and families of the Humboldt Broncos
— Matt Duchene (@Matt9Duchene) April 7, 2018
Sending my prayers to everyone affected by the tragedy in humboldt sask. what a sad day #prayforhumboldt #RIP
— Wayne Simmonds (@Simmonds17) April 7, 2018
So incredibly sad hearing the news out of Humboldt, thoughts and prayers to that community and everyone affected. The hockey community is thinking and mourning with you during this difficult time. #HumboldtBroncos
— Riley Nash (@rileynash20) April 7, 2018
Saskatchewan natives Brayden Schenn, Tyler Bozak, Brayden McNabb, and Patrick Marleau were counted among those who reached out:
Thoughts and prayers to the @HumboldtBroncos players, families, and everyone involved back home in Sask. The hockey community is with you. #prayforhumboldt pic.twitter.com/r24NeRVAtz
— Brayden Schenn (@Bschenn_10) April 7, 2018
So heartbreaking. Sending all my prayers and love to the families and everyone involved back home in Saskatchewan. #prayforhumboldt
— Tyler Bozak (@Bozie42) April 7, 2018
Thoughts and prayers with the Humboldt Broncos team and there famlies! #prayforhumbolt
— Brayden Mcnabb (@nabber03) April 7, 2018
Marleau on hockey community in Sask: "Everywhere in Saskatchewan it’s tight. Hockey is everything in Canada, but in Saskatchewan every community is fairly small so everybody knows everybody & you try & look out for each other & take care of each other. It’s very tight-knit."
— Mark Masters (@markhmasters) April 7, 2018
Edmonton Oilers bench boss Todd McLellan, a Saskatchewan native and former head coach of the SJHL's North Battleford North Stars, offered his support:
"We're all in shock... I can't imagine what those families are feeling & what they're going through right now... They need our support." Coach McLellan, Saskatchewan native who coached in @TheSJHL with North Battleford
— Edmonton Oilers (@EdmontonOilers) April 7, 2018
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also offered his condolences, as did U.S. President Donald Trump:
I cannot imagine what these parents are going through, and my heart goes out to everyone affected by this terrible tragedy, in the Humboldt community and beyond. https://t.co/2cIn2CTy08
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) April 7, 2018
Just spoke to @JustinTrudeau to pay my highest respect and condolences to the families of the terrible Humboldt Team tragedy. May God be with them all!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 7, 2018
Commissioner Gary Bettman also released a statement on behalf of the NHL:
"Our thoughts are with the players, families, coaches, team management, and all those throughout the community who have been affected by the tragedy involving the Humboldt Broncos hockey team," Bettman said. "The NHL mourns the passing of those who perished and offers strength and comfort to those injured while traveling to play and be part of a game they all love."