Badges Unite for Humboldt
This was one hockey game where the tally on the scoreboard really didn’t matter. Lethbridge Police and Lethbridge Fire/EMS teamed up for the Badges United Lethbridge Police & Lethbridge Fire/EMS Charity Hockey Game with proceeds going to the Humboldt Broncos at the Enmax Centre Sunday night.
Fans packed the Enmax Centre for the game in honour of the 16 members of the Broncos who lost their lives in the April 6 crash, including Lethbridge’s Logan Boulet, whose decision to become an organ donor saved six lives and inspired thousands of others to sign up as organ donors.
“We’re just happy we can come together as a group and honour everyone who was affected by this tragic accident, including the families and people who passed away and the people who still have long roads of recovery,” said firefighter Phil Marischuk.
Prior to puck drop, the crowd was treated to a moving video tribute to the Broncos.
Afterwards, Boulet’s parents, Toby and Bernadine and sister Mariko came out for the cermonial puck drop with Kris Versteeg of the Lethbridge Police team and Brandon Davidson of Lethbridge Fire/EMS.
A moment of silence followed before the singing of O Canada and the start of the game.
“We’re happy to be honouring Logan and his entire family and trying to raise money for a good cause,” said Marischuk.
Earlier in the day, a pancake breakfast was held outside the Enmax Centre where scores of diners enjoyed the mild weather as part of the charitable cause.
“The pancake breakfast was a great turnout, I think we had just over 1,000 people,” said Marischuk. “It was wonderful, especially with the weather we’re having. The sun was out, which is really nice. Everyone was out and willing to band together and support our cause.”
The score was secondary Sunday night, but there nonetheless was a final one as Lethbridge Fire/EMS defeated Lethbridge Police 8-5.
But prior to taking the ice, Marischuk noted the true cause of Sunday’s game.
“We’re feeling pretty good, it’s going to be exciting. It’s going to be a fun game. We have a good rivalry here, but today is not about us versus them, it’s about us coming together and supporting the community and supporting an affected family.”