Gone but never forgotten, the Humboldt Broncos will be supported and honoured prior to the resumption of the Turnbull Cup final Thursday (April 12) in Virden when Steinbach Pistons and the Oil Capitals return to the ice.
The pre-game ceremony will begin with the lights dimmed when both teams will skate onto the ice and line up on the respective blue lines. Players on both teams will be wearing yellow laces, in addition to using yellow and green sock tape in honour of the Broncos, whose team colours are green and gold. Both the Pistons and Oil Capitals will be wearing the name bar “Broncos”. On-ice officials will also be wearing yellow skate laces.
Two minor hockey teams from Virden will also skate onto the ice, with one team wearing jerseys from a Steinbach minor hockey team as a showing of unity within the hockey community.
“Canada’s hockey community continues to honour the Humboldt Broncos and the unimaginable pain the organization is now dealing with in the wake of the horrific collision between their team bus and a semi-trailer unit,” MJHL Commissioner Kim Davis said.
“While the MJHL and SJHL have had an intense rivalry on the ice, there has always been a mutual respect shared between both leagues. Now is a time for the hockey community to come together and pay our respects.”
Also participating in Thursday’s pre-game ceremony will be a billet family from both Virden and Steinbach, in addition to first-responders from Virden. Fans can also make a donation to the Broncos and receive a memorial green ribbon. On sale for fans will be special commemorative ‘Humboldt Strong’ t-shirts, with the proceeds going to assist the Bronco organization and families affected by the bus crash of last week.
“Game 3 back in Steinbach will also feature a similar pre-game ceremony,” said Davis.
The pre-game memorial will close with a video tribute and moment of silence. Hockey TV will be broadcasting the ceremony.
