Airdrie vigil supports recovery of Straschnitzki and Broncos teammates
Friday night saw hundreds of people gather in Airdrie in a show of support for Ryan Straschnitzki, who was paralyzed during the tragic Humboldt Broncos bus crash.
“We didn’t think it would go this big,” said Straschnitzki’s father, Tom, also thanking the City of Airdrie for putting on the vigil that saw people forced to stand outside of the outdoor hockey rink it was hosted at.
The father said he was thankful for his neighbours and all they have done for his family — including helping take care of Ryan’s siblings when he and his wife left to be with their injured son, who is still in hospital in Saskatchewan.
“We don’t know how to pay them back,” he said.
Airdrie Mayor Peter Brown said it was difficult to believe it has been a week since the crash.
“It’s hard to believe it was a week ago tonight the Humboldt Broncos team went from one of Saskatchewan’s teams, to the nation’s team,” said Brown, choking back tears.
“There are no words to express the grief and devastation surrounding this tragedy. We have seen all of you unite on jersey day, proudly displaying your sticks and showing a record of fundraising and generosity.”
Airdrie residents sported a hat designed by Cody Thompson, who trained Straschnitzki. The hat is embroidered with Straschnitzki’s Number 10 and the slogan StrazStrong.
Thompson said the slogan came from the incredible athleticism Ryan demonstrates.
“That’s massive support, Cody has been there since Day 1,” said Tom Straschnitzki.
“Ryan and Cody have this special bond that will never be broken. I told Cody he needed to get some sleep.”
Thompson took it upon himself to create and have the hats sold, with $20 from each hat going back to Ryan and his family.
“There’s just something physically different about him,” said Thompson.
“He would come in and do our workout, then when it was his time to go, he would absolutely crush us in repetitions and how much strength he had. We started saying there’s strong, then there is Straz strong.”
Ty Stewart, who grew up playing
It’s hard to believe it was a week ago tonight the Humboldt Broncos team went from one of Saskatchewan’s teams, to the nation’s team.
hockey with Ryan and attended Friday’s vigil, said he sees the outpouring of support.
“I think it means a lot to Ryan,” he said. “I was out there (visiting Ryan) from Monday until Wednesday and he notices it. I think it’s making him feel a lot better.”
You can purchase a #StrazStrong hat online.