The tragic bus crash that claimed the lives of 15 Humboldt Broncos players and support staff rocked the nation, moving people in northern Ontario to action.
Vigils were held around the north Sunday, including one in downtown Sudbury in front of the city’s arena, where the Sudbury’s junior hockey team, the Wolves, plays. The North Bay area hockey community gathered outside of Memorial Gardens for a candlelight service, where their own team, the Battalion, plays.
The vigils gave people inside the hockey community and out, a chance to offer prayers and support to those out west.
Brenda Linney organized the vigil in Sudbury.
“The news of the tragic accident really shocked not only myself, the community, but Canada as whole, and I felt that it would be important for us to gather here tonight to stand vigil with the families and friends and the community of Humboldt as they’re standing in vigil this evening.” said Linney.
A fundraiser was held by the Timmins Rock of the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League for the Humboldt Broncos Sunday night and over $5,000 was raised.
In Sault Ste. Marie, the city has set up a condolence book for people to express their sympathies for the Humboldt Broncos and the City of Humboldt. The book will be at the Civic Centre on Foster Drive until Friday.
The city will also be lowering its flags to half-mast at all municipal facilities to acknowledge the lives lost.
Sault city councillors will also be wearing green ribbons during Monday night's meeting.
The Town of Cochane's Junior ‘A’ Team, the Crunch, has players that were formerly with the Broncos.
In the spirit of unity, the town is lighting its welcome sign on the Trans-Canada Highway green, the Bronco's team colour, for 15 days.
