BRONCOS DONATIONS
Process to distribute cash shapes up
REGINA A musical tribute to the Humboldt Broncos team and families left at least one father in tears, as a Mosaic Stadium crowd remembered those lost in April’s tragic bus crash.
Kelly Schatz said the rendition of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah, performed by Jack Semple on an acoustic guitar in frigid rain, was particularly moving.
“I had a little cry,” said Schatz, who lost his son, Logan, in the crash. “(It’s) one of the best songs ever written, I believe, and what a time to have it played.”
Schatz sat through a video presentation that accompanied Semple’s performance. He saw the scene of the crash, and then the outpouring of support from Saskatchewan and across Canada. He saw a picture of three Humboldt Broncos teammates holding hands in their hospital beds, and then the vigil that brought the community together days later.
He saw scenes of solidarity from across the country: jerseys in the House of Commons, hockey sticks on porches everywhere.
“I’ve seen probably most of those pictures at some point,” said Schatz. “But it was nice to see it all together.”
The video ended with a list of names of those lost in the accident, and wishes of healing to those still recovering.
The tribute was part of the opening ceremony for the Memorial Cup. It featured comedian Brent Butt, who spoke of the love for the families and loved ones of the Humboldt Broncos — love shared by many of the people in the audience.
“It’s a long journey and no one could ever prepare for it,” Butt said. “To those families who are here with us tonight please never forget that we stand with you always. We are honoured to have you here to hear these words and feel the love and support of this hockey community.”
Audience member Janet Dickson, who came all the way from Manitoba to watch the opening ceremonies, said she was deeply touched by the tragedy.
“I’d like to see everyone stand and give them a minute of peace and love,” she said from the seats near the stage.
The tribute ended with applause from the crowd. Some did stand. A few came wearing Humbold Strong sweaters.
The host committee for the Memorial Cup had promised a “special presentation” at the tribute. That turned out to be a $100,000 cheque presentation from Brandt to support the Humboldt Broncos families.
Schatz, who called the outpouring from the crowd “heartwarming,” was joined by several family members — loved ones of Logan Boulet and Parker Tobin among them. They wore jerseys bearing the name of their loved one.
The Tobins were flown in from Alberta to witness the tribute. They joined their son’s billet family on the stadium floor. Paul Jefferson, who spent six months with Parker at his home, said it was a great chance to come back together.
“We are all grieving and we are going to keep supporting each other,” he said. “And for me that’s the biggest reason to be here.”