Prayers For Humboldt

Humboldt, Saskatchewan is a city of just under 6000 according to 2016 figures. It sits about 110 kilometers east of Saskatoon, and was named after German explorer Alexander von Humboldt. Humboldt was a key locale in helping Canada settle the west, a vital location for communications for John A. MacDonald during the Métis uprising led by Louis Riel, and is an important city in the farming industry of Saskatchewan today. Tonight, however, the town is in mourning after news about its SJHL hockey team.

This is a tough subject, but it has been reported tonight that the SJHL's Humboldt Broncos' bus was hit by a semi trailer en route to Nipawin to play the Hawks in their semi-final series.

JUST IN: Nipawin RCMP confirm fatalities have been confirmed and there are injuries after a semi collided with the Humboldt Broncos team bus. They’re unable to confirm numbers at this time. Another update is expected at 7:45. #YXE #Sask pic.twitter.com/zNWp5YkVa6

— Adam MacVicar (@AdamMacVicar) April 7, 2018

This is simply awful. The RCMP and first responders respectfully did not release details about the scene, and I commend them for that in today's sensationalized news media. However, that doesn't make the next piece of news any easier to absorb.

BREAKING: Multiple fatalities in bus crash involving Saskatchewan junior hockey team, RCMP says https://t.co/8cwV74u2wB

— CTV News (@CTVNews) April 7, 2018

As of writing this, there have been reports that there were 14 fatalities from the accident, and a number of other people seriously injured that are being transported to nearby medical facilities and hospitals. Based on numbers alone, that many fatalities means that some players were killed. This is an absolute tragedy of the worst kind, and I don't even want to speculate on the amount of pain and sadness in the Humboldt community and across the SJHL community right now. The hockey world has been pouring out heartfelt messages on social media, but this is terrible.

Tonight, we are all Humboldt. Say a prayer for the team and their families. Say many prayers. Keep this city in your thoughts in the coming days and weeks because there will be many people struggling with these losses. Families, friends, and teammates were torn apart tonight by this tragedy, so the city of Humboldt will be in my thoughts tonight.

Until next time, keep this team in your thoughts.