IceDogs suffer bus scare

The Niagara IceDogs were side-swiped by a construction truck heading back from Barrie

KITCHENER — There was concern for a few seconds.

The Niagara IceDogs were heading home after defeating the Barrie Colts 3-1 in exhibition action Thursday night when the team’s bus was side-swiped by a construction truck while southbound on Highway 400.

“It was a little scary at the time,” said IceDogs head coach Billy Burke. “It felt a little shaky at the front.”

No players or team staff were injured in the accident, which happened around 10 p.m.

Burke described the collision as “minor” and said there was some damage to the front of the bus.

“Fortunately the truck driver was fine and so were we,” added Burke.

The team pulled off on a rural road to wait for the Ontario Provincial Police and was delayed for about two hours before returning to St. Catharines.

“It sounded like it could have been worse,” said Burke.

“Certainly this kind of thing is everyone’s worst nightmare in the wake of Humboldt. It was little spooky but everyone is OK.”

Sixteen players and staff of the Humboldt Broncos hockey team died and another 13 were injured last April when the club’s bus was hit by a truck while en route to a playoff game in Saskatchewan.

The Broncos’ emotional season opener against the Nipawin Hawks drew nationwide attention this past Wednesday.

The defending Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League champs nipped the Broncos 2-1.

Thursday’s collision was the first for Niagara, according to Burke.

“I remember going to Ottawa for a playoff game in 2012 and our bus broke down and we had to switch buses on the 401,” he said. “Other than that we’ve been pretty fortunate.”

The IceDogs faced the Rangers in exhibition action at the Aud Friday night.

The two teams will tango again Saturday in another friendly, this time at the Beamsville Arena at 7 p.m.