Humboldt’s progress inspires Steele

REGINA “Humboldt Strong” is more than a slogan for Saskatchewan Roughriders defensive tackle Eddie Steele. For him, those words describe the response of the Humboldt community to the April 6 crash between the Humboldt Broncos’ team bus and a semitrailer. Sixteen of the 29 people aboard the bus were killed.

On Wednesday in Humboldt, the Broncos and the Nipawin Hawks played in the SJHL’S first regularseason game since the crash. The Broncos were on their way to a playoff game against the Hawks when the collision took place between Tisdale and Nipawin.

“It’s encouraging to see how fast (the Broncos) were able to bounce back and get right back into the season without missing a beat,” Steele said after Wednesday’s closed practice at Mosaic Stadium.

“It’s a testament to the community and to the organization. It will be a good night for healing. It’s a big part of the healing process for what the community needs in order to move forward.”

Steele became familiar with the Broncos before the bus crash. On Feb. 16, he met with Humboldt’s coaches and was also scheduled to address the players after a game in Nipawin. Steele, who was in the area as part of a weeklong faith tour with Riders chaplain Jared Lacoste, changed his plans after the Broncos lost 4-3.

Two weeks after the bus crash, Steele addressed the students at Humboldt Collegiate Institute as part of the Red Cross’s anti-bullying campaign. Prior to the Riders’ training camp in Saskatoon, Steele and Riders defensive tackle Zack Evans attended a barbecue in Nipawin for the nearly 80 first responders who were at the scene of the crash.

On June 3, thousands of people turned out in Humboldt as the Riders participated in a community barbecue, at which players interacted with fans, signed autographs and posed for pictures.

The Riders played host to the “Humboldt Strong” game on June 30. More than 200 surviving players, their immediate and extended families, billet families, members of the community and first responders were on hand for the Riders’ 23-17 loss to the Montreal Alouettes.

The pre-game ceremony included Steele leading the Riders onto the field while waving a “Humboldt Strong ” flag. “Every time I’ve been around the community it has surprised me how positive the people really are,” Steele said.