Humboldt Broncos crash victims remembered, honoured with memorial tournament in Edmonton
Posted July 10, 2022 12:22 pm.
It’s been four years since the deadly bus crash that took the lives of 16 members of the Humboldt Broncos hockey team.
This weekend, people in Edmonton remembered them through a memorial tournament.
“I think it’s just awesome to get everyone who’s all friends with the boys together and just really celebrate their life,” said tournament co-organizer Jaedon Leslie. “And I think it’s just a great tribute to them to play the sport that they love, and having every one of their close friends around is just awesome to have.”
The third annual tournament honoured the four former St. Albert hockey players who passed away in the crash: Stephen Wack, Jaxon Joseph, Logan Hunter and Conner Lukan.
“I think Stephen just had an infectious smile, Conner was one of the hardest working guys you’ll ever meet, Jaxon was extremely funny and witty, and Logan was extremely talented,” said Leslie. “I think just having those guys missing from our lives is a big dent to everyone here.”
Humboldt Broncos memorial tournament in Edmonton on July 9, 2022. (Credit: CityNews/Sarah Chew)
The families and friends have been able to heal through the event, says another co-organizer.
“And there’s always going to be that wound there, I think everyone was so affected by it,” said Josh Dechaine. “But I think the ability to come together and remember the boys and play in their name is super special.”
The tournaments have also given back to the community, leaving a bigger legacy in the players’ names.
“So the last two years we put the money into a scholarship fund, and they’ve created four scholarships in the name of the four boys,” said Dechaine.
A survivor of the bus crash gave a moving speech to start off Saturday’s tournament.
“I once read a quote that said, ‘Once you’ve been in the dark, you learn to appreciate everything that shines.’ Let’s let our boys’ light shine through this weekend,” said crash survivor Tyler Smith.
“Take the time to reflect, to share stories, to laugh, to cry, to make memories, and to shine for them. Lukes, Hunt, Wack, Joey – we miss you, and we love you.”
The memorial tournament goes on until Sunday, but the memory of the team members to people who knew them and loved them lives on.
