A HEALING CITY STICKS TOGETHER

Signs of support are evident throughout community devastated by April 6 tragedy

Outside of Universal Sports is a universal symbol of the Humboldt Broncos.

Three hockey sticks are leaning against the Main Street store, as has been the case since two days after the Broncos’ bus tragedy of April 6.

The “sticks for Humboldt” concept began when a former resident of the city, Winnipegbased Chad Lins, put a hockey stick on his front porch and took a picture, which he texted to a few friends with whom he grew up in Humboldt — including Brian Munz.

Munz, a member of TSN’S Winnipeg Jets broadcast team, tweeted the photo and everything went viral — including the “#putyoursticksout” and “#sticksoutforhumboldt” hashtags.

Suddenly, people everywhere were leaving hockey sticks on the front step to honour the SJHL team and those who were involved in the crash.

“Watching the vigil, I felt an overwhelming need to be connected to the town,” says Lins, who is back in Humboldt helping out on the family farm.

Lins, who eschews social media, did not circulate the photo with the intent of it becoming a Twitter phenomenon. Instead, he put the stick on the front porch as a show of solidarity.

“It’s so Canadian,” Lins says. “When I was growing up in Humboldt, there was always a garbage can or a bin in the garage full of hockey sticks. There would be lefties and righties, and sticks with all sorts of curves.

“Growing up in a town that is so hockey crazy, it was a symbol of, ‘Hey, guys, if you need one, here’s an extra one.’ ”

The three sticks outside Universal Sports have been untouched since April. The message “HUGS HEAL HUG SOMEONE” appears in the window.

It is virtually impossible to go too far in Humboldt without seeing sticks in front of homes or businesses, or inside hotel lobbies.

At the Humboldt & District Gallery, site of the Humboldt Broncos Memorial Exhibit, another three sticks can be found — along with messages of support and condolence from across North America.

“Even though we live in a large global community, we aren’t as far apart as we think we are,”

Lins says. “The most visceral and intimate tragedy reminds us that we’re all in this together.”

So does a walk down Main Street, and a visit to the gallery.

Only a few of the tributes can be shown at a time, due to the overwhelming number of supportive messages and gestures.

A second rotation of banners, letters and drawings is part of the current exhibit. From Toronto to Tuktoyaktuk, Cambridge to Calgary, people of all ages have reached out with messages of condolence and support.

From the gallery, it was off to a popular gathering place — Johnny’s Bistro.

Broncos players routinely eat there, at a discounted rate. In fact, the team gathered for a meal at Johnny’s Bistro on the day of the accident.

Over the years, Broncos players have worked at the bistro as dishwashers or servers, or to assist with banquets.

The owner, Carla Clement, is a friendly face behind the counter who, despite a frenetic day that includes greeting a lunchtime crowd and tending to myriad family obligations, has time for a chat.

Clement is also billeting three Broncos players, as is her custom. Last season, she billeted Bryce Fiske, Kaleb Dahlgren and Stephen Wack, the latter of whom was killed in the crash.

Several green-and-gold bracelets — gifts from near and far — dangle from Clement’s right wrist.

“People,” she marvels, “are phenomenal.”

Across from the cash register, there is a selection of custommade Broncos-themed hoodies, which sell virtually as quickly as they arrive.

Johnny’s Bistro is named in honour of Clement’s late father, John Loose. He, too, was a Broncos billet, a tradition Clement has carried on for 12 years, and counting.

“It’s always an unreal group of kids,” Clement says. “They’re not just good hockey players, but good people.”

The same description applies to the residents of Humboldt — “good people,” based on every interaction during a weekend visit. One is left to hope that, despite the circumstances, everyone is doing OK.

“As good as can be,” is Lins’ assessment. “I think (Mayor)

Rob Muench said it best: ‘We’ll get through this. We’ve got some pretty big scars, but we’ll get through it.’ ”