On-Uniform Respects Paid to Humboldt Broncos Accident Victims

Athletes throughout the National Hockey League and even a couple in Major League Baseball paid respects to the victims of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash yesterday. The bus carrying the Broncos team to a Saskatchewan Jr. Hockey League playoff game was involved in an accident on Friday night in which 15 people, all of whom on the bus, were killed.

In the NHL, the Winnipeg Jets and Chicago Blackhawks, following a moving pre-game ceremony, wore jerseys in which every player’s name was replaced with “BRONCOS”. I don’t believe such a tribute has ever been done before in NHL history:

Most other NHL teams added a decal featuring the Humboldt Broncos logo on the back of their helmets in addition to a pre-game moment of silence:

Coaches at the Vancouver Canucks vs Edmonton Oilers game also wore green and gold ribbons on their lapels:

In Major League Baseball, the Texas Rangers and Toronto Blue Jays held a moment of silence before their game in Arlington, Texas; Toronto starting pitcher Marcus Stroman added his own tribute to his cap marking the name of the team on the left side and “SK” for Saskatchewan on the right:

Stroman has announced that the cap will be auctioned off with all proceeds going to the victims of the accident.

Canadian-born Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto also made an addition to his uniform for the team, writing “Humboldt Broncos” on the side of his cleats:

The Humboldt Broncos are a member of the Saskatchewan Jr. Hockey League, the team is made up of players ranging in age between 16 and 20. The small town of Humboldt, Saskatchewan is home to just over 5000 people and located about 100 km (or 60 miles) east of Saskatoon.