Saskatchewan’s own mourn with Humboldt
Saskatchewan natives Dorsett and Pouliot spearheading initiative, writes Ben Kuzma.
Derek Dorsett doesn’t want this to be about him.
He wants it to be about them. All of them.
The retired Vancouver Canucks winger as well as defenceman Derrick Pouliot — natives of Saskatchewan and proud products of small-town values and big hockey dreams — are no different than you and me.
In the aftermath of the horrific Humboldt Broncos bus crash with a semi-trailer truck April 6 that claimed the lives of 16 associated with the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League club, they know the worldwide outpouring of grief and support speaks to the human spirit.
It also spoke to Dorsett and Pouliot.
In concert with the Canucks, they are planning a solemn sojourn to support the injured, families of the fallen, the shaken Humboldt community and those who will play on.
Just how they lend assistance is of paramount planning importance to the NHL players. They don’t want to be the focus. They want the message to ring through, not the messengers. Dorsett was initially reluctant to speak of the journey because he wanted to quietly go about giving aid.
“It’s been a tough week,” said the Kindersley, Sask., native who played in the Humboldt arena that has become the epicentre for sorrow and support.
“It’s hard to go even a few minutes without thinking about what’s going on and what people are going through — all the pain and suffering.”
Support has gone from simple gestures to significant financial commitments.
Thursday was the wearing of hockey jerseys to remember the fallen. It was also to signal to a town of 6,000 residents who had their hearts ripped out that the world had their backs. There was more.
Photos of sticks left outside residences with a light left on for the departed dominated Twitter timelines. There are highway signs, supportive lapel pins and proceeds from 50-50 draws destined for those who need it most.
And an incredible GoFundMe initiative by Humboldt hockey mom Sylvia Wellington crested $10 million in donations Thursday afternoon.
“There are so many great stories,” added Dorsett.
“People care. It’s really heartbreaking what’s going on. It has touched a lot of people and when you can show support in tough times, it’s a great thing.
“A lot of things are going to need money to help out and it doesn’t help bring back (the fallen). But it sure can help with some of the bills for therapists and changes within homes.”
The suffering will reach another level in the coming days.
Memorials and funerals are being held following the difficult decision by the SJHL to resume operations and allow the Nipawin Hawks and Estevan Bruins to compete for the league title. There was a vote and it was unanimous because the championship would be in support of Humboldt.
Broncos assistant coach Chris Beaudry even joined the Hawks for practice this week and will be a consultant during portions of the final series.
“I could understand the decision either way,” said Dorsett. “I know they didn’t make it lightly.”
Part of that speaks to the pulse of Prairie people. Those stories you hear of neighbours doing anything to help people on the other side of the fence — and living by a we-not-me credo — are true. And maybe that will help Humboldt pull through this, just like Swift Current did following a 1986 bus crashed that claimed the lives of four members of the WHL Broncos.
“I played midget triple-A in Swift Current and have a former coach who was on the bus and a former coach whose brother was killed in that accident,” said Dorsett. “Some of those (survivors) from the ’86 crash are doing great things and showing support for Humboldt.
“They got through their crash, but they think about it every day. Everybody grieves differently and it’s not just about support for today and tomorrow — it’s for years down the road.”
For Dorsett and Pouliot, it’s not about going to Saskatchewan and signing autographs and giving away memorabilia. It’s about connecting and supporting and thanking those in the medical community.
“We want to make sure that it’s thought out and planned and just don’t show up,” said Dorsett. “Being from a small town and having the privilege to play in the best league in the world, I’d love to show my support to the families and the province.
“We are in talks and the Canucks have been great and we’ll have some further details. It’s about any way we can support anybody, even the kids who are playing in the SJHL, because they need support, too.”
Their dreams need to be encouraged and not dashed.
“I grew up watching the SJHL and when I went to a Kindersley Klippers game, I thought that was the NHL,” said Dorsett. “I wanted to be a Kindersley Klipper. And when I made the SJHL and played for the Klippers, it was a dream come true. It was a bond. The team was like family."
Pouliot was born in Estevan, played triple-A midget and often journeyed to Tisdale, which is near the crash site.
“My brother played in the SJHL and they had some bus rides for sure that were on icy roads and blizzards,” said Pouliot. “You really feel for the families and the community.”