TORONTO — On almost any other morning, Mike Babcock's pre-game chat with reporters might begin with banter about his line combinations, scratches or the playoffs set to begin next week.
Saturday wasn't a regular morning.
Babcock, the head coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs, fought back tears as he stepped to the podium at Air Canada Centre.
He was in pain, just like his home province.
A horrific bus crash involving a Saskatchewan junior hockey team, the Humboldt Broncos, killed 15 people Friday, including its head coach and captain, with another 14 sent to hospital.
"It's got to rip the heart out of your chest," said Babcock, who grew up in Saskatoon. "We pray for those families and think about them.
"Horrific, horrific accident. Tough day."
Toronto centre Tyler Bozak, a Regina native, said he had difficulty sleeping after hearing the stunning news.
"You can't really put into words, anything," Bozak said ahead of Saturday's regular-season finale against the Montreal Canadiens. "I can't imagine what everyone's going through back in Saskatchewan, and what's happening there.
"You just send your love and pray for everyone that's involved, and hope for the best. Saskatchewan is a great community of people. Everyone will rally together and do the best they can, but obviously a really tragic situation."
Leafs defenceman Morgan Rielly left home on the West Coast at 14 to play hockey at the renowned Notre Dame private school in Wilcox, Sask., before spending three seasons in the WHL with the Moose Jaw Warriors.
"Growing up playing hockey and spending a great deal of time in Saskatchewan, you gain appreciation for the kind of people that come from there," he said. "But in times like these you definitely need people around you, and our thoughts and our hearts go out to the Humboldt Broncos and their families."
Teams across the hockey world honoured the victims of the tragedy Saturday, with a number of tributes and donations, while decals of the Broncos' logo were added to helmets.
The Winnipeg Jets and Chicago Blackhawks wore "BRONCOS" on the backs of their jerseys instead of nameplates, and stood side-by-side around the centre-ice circle during a moment of silence before their game at Bell MTS Place.
Both Winnipeg and Chicago, along with the NHL, pledged to each donate $25,000 to the Humboldt club.
The Jets, Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames said they would be sending the proceeds from each arena's 50/50 draw to the victims and their families.
NHL superstar Wayne Gretzky tweeted his condolences to the victims of the crash, saying it had weighed on him and his wife.
The RCMP says 15 people are now dead following a horrific crash between a truck and a bus carrying the Humboldt Broncos. Read here: https://t.co/4aFKphE9ls pic.twitter.com/wVCQtSHrLO
— CityNews Toronto (@CityNews) April 7, 2018
"Janet and I have struggled all day with the horrific accident in Saskatchewan. We are so sad for the @HumboldtBroncos families and are praying for them," said Gretzky.
Those victims were also on the minds of athletes in other sports.
Moments of silence were observed at the men's world curling championship in Las Vegas, where Canada's Brad Gushue is competing in the tournament's playoffs, and prior to the baseball game in Texas between the Rangers and Toronto. Blue Jays starting pitcher Marcus Stroman wrote "Humboldt Broncos!" on his hat in tribute.
Canadian golfer Adam Hadwin, a Saskatchewan native who resides in Abbotsford, B.C., reflected on the emotions of the day after shooting an even-par 72 in the third round of the Masters.
"It shows you how short life is," Hadwin said minutes after walking off the course in Augusta, Ga. "You need to appreciate every moment. You need to appreciate the people around you."
Montreal defenceman Brett Lernout spent 2 1/2 seasons with the WHL's Swift Current Broncos, a team that was touched by tragedy when four players were killed in a bus crash in 1986.
The Winnipeg native said that accident still resonates in the community.
"It does. It does big time," Lernout said. "They just put a memorial ... it's just terrible to see that happen again."
Babcock said he's driven the stretch of two-lane highway north of Tisdale where Humboldt was heading to play Game 5 of a semifinal series against the Nipawin Hawks.
"Yeah, I know that road pretty good," said the coach. "It didn't seem like a big spot, it's not mountains or anything like that, but accidents do happen."
Flames forward Tanner Glass said his first junior game was in Nipawin.
"I've driven that road just like those kids did," he said. "It give you chills to think about."
Leafs forward Patrick Marleau, who is from Aneroid, Sask., and old enough to remember the Swift Current accident, said he expects people across the province to once again come together.
"It's very tragic," he said. "It was crazy to see exactly how bad it is.
"Everywhere in Saskatchewan, it's tight. Hockey's everything in Canada, but in Saskatchewan every community's fairly small, so everybody knows everybody and you try and look out for each other and take care of each other. Very tight-knit."
Rielly said teams like the Humboldt Broncos, who play in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, are integral parts of the fabric of the province.
"You can't even understand," he said. "Going around and playing in small towns and being able to be a part of one of those teams is extremely special. That community and the other small communities around Saskatchewan, they live for hockey, and they drive that team and players love living there, and I speak from experience.
"The values that you learn playing in those communities stick with you for a long time. It's tough to talk about."
TEXT OF THE PRIME MINISTER'S STATEMENT ON THE HUMBOLDT BRONCOS BUS CRASH
An entire country is in shock and mourning today as we learn more about the tragic bus crash involving the Humboldt Broncos that claimed the lives of 14 people, and injured many more.
We are heartbroken knowing many of those we lost had their entire lives in front of them. We grieve with those facing news no parent or family should ever have to face. And our hearts go out to the community that has lost teammates, coaches, friends, and mentors.
This is every parent’s worst nightmare. No one should ever have to see their child leave to play the sport they love and never come back.
To the entire Humboldt Broncos hockey community: We are here for you. As neighbours, as friends, and as Canadians, we grieve alongside you. Statement: https://t.co/jKloGgn5io
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) April 7, 2018
On behalf of Canadians, I want to express my thanks for the kind messages we’ve gotten from leaders around the world. I’ve relayed them to the Premier of Saskatchewan - we are deeply grateful for your support.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) April 7, 2018
Our national hockey family is a close one, with roots in almost every town – small and big – across Canada. Humboldt is no exception, and today the country and the entire hockey community stands with you.
I thank the first responders – the RCMP, the Provincial Response Team, and medical personnel – who worked tirelessly through the night, and continue to respond to this incredibly difficult situation with courage and professionalism.
To the entire Humboldt community: We are here for you. As neighbours, as friends, and as Canadians, we grieve alongside you.
A LOOK AT THE VICTIMS OF THE HUMBOLDT TEAM BUS CRASH
Fifteen people were killed and 14 others injured in a horrific crash involving the Humboldt Broncos hockey team. Here is some information about some of those who died:
Tyler Bieber:
Bieber worked for Humboldt radio station CHBO and often travelled with the team as its play-by-play radio announcer.
Steven Wilson, a co-worker in Weyburn, Sask., said it was Bieber's first season announcing for the team. He also covered morning news.
"He definitely had a natural talent," said Wilson. "He was just passionate about sports."
Wilson said he filled in a few times for Bieber because he was also busy coaching the Humbolt high school's basketball and football teams.
Glen Doerksen:
Doerksen is described by his employer, Charlie's Charters, in a Facebook post as an "outstanding friend, husband, and father."
"In talking to him, he spoke at length of his time in rinks with his own family and now how much he enjoyed being able to take and watch other teams from minor, to senior to SJHL to their hockey games," the Kinistino Tigers wrote of Doersken, who drove their team to and from playoff games.
"We will never forget the smile on your face as we left Allan after winning the Championship and got you to give 'two honks for the Cup.' Tonight Glen, we give two honks for you. Rest easy Sir."
Darcy Haugan:
The head coach of the Humboldt Broncos was described in online tributes as a "great man" and amazing mentor to young players.
"He will always be a great man in our hearts," his sister posted on Twitter under the name Debbie Jayne. "The tears just keep coming."
Before becoming a coach, he played junior hockey in the league in the 1990s.
Steven Wilson, a radio play-by-play announcer in Weyburn, Sask., called Haugan "the classiest guy" in the league who always had time to chat.
He said the last time he saw Haugan, the coach was playing video games in his office with one of his two young sons.
"He was very dedicated to his family and at the same time he was a hockey guy."
Wilson said Haugan's wife, Christina George-Haugan, worked as the team's office manager.
Adam Herold:
The youngest member of the team, Herold would have turned 17 this week.
He was also a new member of the team — up until a few weeks ago, Herold was captain of the Regina Pat Canadians, manager John Smith said. But when the Regina team's season wrapped up, Herold was sent to join the Broncos for their playoff round.
"He was a wonderful young man. Never afraid to help his teammates. Always there for them. Good, typical Saskatchewan farm boy. Always load the bus, unload the bus, never afraid to roll up his sleeves and get work done," Smith said.
Smith said Herold is survived by his mom, dad and an older sister.
Brody Hinz:
The 18-year-old Hinz had recently started tallying the Broncos' numbers for Humboldt radio station CHBO.
"Brody had recently joined our Golden West family, mentored by Tyler and the Bolt FM team," Lydon Frieson, president of Golden West Radio, said in a statement posted on the station's website.
"Tragedy has hit our community and it reaches into every corner of life in Humboldt."
Another company statement described Hinz as an intern still in high school.
The night of the crash marked a double tragedy for the family. A relative said on Facebook that another family member lost a baby boy in Humboldt hospital shortly after he was born.
Logan Hunter:
Hunter's death was confirmed by his former team, the St. Albert Raiders in his Alberta hometown.
The organization's president, Kevin Porter, said he heard the news from Hunter's mother.
"He always had a smile on his face," said Porter, who described Hunter as a "smart kid and a great hockey player" with a "great sense of humour."
Jaxon Joseph:
The Edmonton native's death was confirmed by the Surrey Eagles, his former team in the British Columbia Hockey League.
The Broncos website says Joseph, who was 20 years old, was among the leading scorers in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League playoffs, playing on a line with Logan Schatz, another player who lost his life in the crash.
In a profile published on the team's website in January, Schatz paid tribute to Joseph and fellow linemate Conner Lukan.
"I’ve really clicked with Joseph and Lukan. I can’t say enough good things about them," Schatz said.
"The worst nightmare has happened."
— CBC News (@CBCNews) April 8, 2018
13 victims of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash have been identified. https://t.co/br0jAo6sEO pic.twitter.com/WKmgPGqc7h
Xavier Labelle:
Isaac Labelle eulogized his 18-year-old brother in an Instagram post Saturday.
"I have no words to describe what I'm feeling. Best friends, teammates, allies, brothers," he wrote. "We've been through so much together. We had a special bond from the day you were born."
"I’m going to miss you bro. I’ll always remember you and who you were will influence me for the rest of my life."
A defenceman, Xavier Labelle was a native of Saskatoon.
Logan Schatz:
The team captain had played for the Broncos for just over four years and had served as team captain for the past 2 1/2 years, his father Kelly Schatz said.
The native of Allan, Sask., played centre and was named the league's player of the month in February after earning points in eight of nine games. He was 20 years old.
Kelly Schatz said his family is seeking solace in one another.
"It's hard," Kelly Schatz said. "I've got four other kids and they're here, which is nice."
Stephen Wack:
The 21-year-old defenceman was one of the victims of the crash, his cousin Alicia Wack confirmed. He had played with the Broncos for two seasons.
Wack said her cousin made the best gingerbread houses and "absolutely lived and breathed hockey."
"Stephen has always been an amazing person, son, big brother, and cousin. He is one of the most adventurous, ambitious, and loving people that I have ever been blessed to know," she said in a Facebook post.
REACTION TO HUMBOLDT BRONCOS TEAM BUS CRASH
Here is some of the reaction on Twitter and from statements issued by prominent people in Canada and internationally to the bus crash involving the Humboldt Broncos:
"Just spoke to @JustinTrudeau to pay my highest respect and condolences to the families of the terrible Humboldt Team tragedy. May God be with them all!" — U.S. President Donald Trump.
___
"Shocked and saddened by the loss in Saskatchewan. Thinking of all those in the Humboldt Broncos family and everyone affected by this tragedy." Canadian actor Will Arnett.
___
"My heart breaks this morning for the entire Humboldt Broncos community. I am sending so much love to everyone affected." — Ellen DeGeneres, comedian and talk show host.
___
A rendition of the Canadian National Anthem was sung at the Nashville Predators hockey game on Saturday in honor of the victims in the deadly Humboldt Broncos bus crash in Saskatchewan that left 15 people dead. https://t.co/xlwiYYWRCP pic.twitter.com/VWgJ1qYsZW
— ABC News (@ABC) April 8, 2018
"We are heartbroken knowing many of those we lost had their entire lives in front of them. We grieve with those facing news no parent or family should ever have to face. And our hearts go out to the community that has lost teammates, coaches, friends, and mentors." — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
___
"As a parent and a Saskatchewanian, it is hard to find the words to capture the terrible incident that took place overnight. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends who lost loved ones last night, and Jill and I are praying for a speedy recovery of all those injured and who remain in hospital.
"It the worst kind of tragedy any parent or friend can imagine, and the strength of the Humboldt community, and communities across the region that have been touched by this loss, will be so important now. I have no doubt that the people of Saskatchewan will come together to support each other during this extremely difficult time." — Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer.
___
"I am crying. This is every parents worst nightmare. I will be in prayer and will also be regretting that what faith I feel helps in the sharing of these parents grief cannot be accompanied by any works....it’s a helpless feeling. I wish there was something I could do." — Singer Chantal Kreviazuk.
___
"The heartbreak of all the families and friends of these young men is felt from coast to coast, to the far north and beyond. So awful. So sudden. So incomprehensible. We are all so sorry for these young lives lost and are mourning with you." — Singer Jann Arden.
___
"What a sad day for our country. #PrayersForHumboldt." — Comedian Gerry Dee.
___
"Devastating news about the #HumboldtBroncos junior hockey team. Unthinkable tragedy. Praying for the families." — Actress Debra Messing.
___
"This tragedy has rocked the Prairies and our entire country. Young men from Alberta, Saskatchewan and across Western Canada play for the Broncos, and even more have dreamed of playing for the Broncos. Hockey communities unite our country. We are a family, and we support you.
"Countless young athletes and their families travel our highways on those buses, going from game to game or tournament to tournament. It is a core part of life on our prairies. While we can only imagine your pain, it's heartbreaking.
"As we learn more about what happened, may we also learn more about the incredible people we have lost. Dedicated athletes, strong young Canadians, respected community leaders and, above all, people loved by their families and friends." — Alberta Premier Rachel Notley.
___
"Today, our hearts are broken. I'm asking our province and our nation to support our families, and our team, the Humboldt Broncos, as they suffer this devastating loss. In this dark moment, let the strong arms of Saskatchewan provide a loving embrace as it is needed most.
"Our province has always been one community. At our core, we are one small town, neighbours, friends and families. To the City of Humboldt, the entire Broncos organization, and the families impacted by this tragedy, please know you are in Saskatchewan's hearts. From a grieving province, thank you to every one of the first responders and medical professionals for your courageous response under the most difficult circumstances imaginable. Tonight, we all must pray for these families."
— Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe.
___
"Janet and I have struggled all day with the horrific accident in Saskatchewan. We are so sad for the @HumboldtBroncos families and are praying for them." — Hockey Hall of Fame member Wayne Gretzky.
DOCTOR WHO TREATED BUS CRASH VICTIMS WAS PREPARED BY EXPERIENCE IN SYRIA
SASKATOON — Hassan Masri once cared for airstrike victims in Syria's civil war, but that didn't hardened him to the injuries he and other emergency staff at Saskatoon's Royal University Hospital saw Friday night after a horrific bus crash that killed 15 people.
The hospital declared a "code orange" meaning mass casualties are expected.
That designation means extra staff and extra machines are called in. Teams are organized to be assigned to each patient.
Everyone worked through the night treating 15 patients from a collision between a bus carrying the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team and a transport truck in eastern Saskatchewan. One of those patients later died, the RCMP said Saturday.
But after hours and hours of working non-stop, Masri was able to look up and remember he's human.
A rendition of the Canadian National Anthem was sung at the Nashville Predators hockey game on Saturday in honor of the victims in the deadly Humboldt Broncos bus crash in Saskatchewan that left 15 people dead. https://t.co/iAdYafcXON pic.twitter.com/cdSpcy8grQ
— World News Tonight (@ABCWorldNews) April 8, 2018
"You see the mothers who are trying to cuddle their 19-year-old or 22-year-old in a stretcher, and the little sisters of these patients and the older brothers, and you start to hear the stories, and the pictures that they're showing you of their loved ones — that's when the shock and reality starts to really hit," Masri told The Canadian Press Saturday.
"You start to look around and everyone is in tears, whether it's the medical personnel, whether it's the nurses or the patients' families or everyone."
Masri said he hadn't heard the news about the crash when he showed up for his 12-hour shift as an intensive care doctor at the hospital at 8 p.m. Friday. He headed to the emergency department to see what was going on, and saw a massive number of physicians, surgeons, neurosurgeons, residents, nurses and other personnel.
Each patient would have their own team with an ER doctor, a surgeon, a resident, a respiratory therapist, and a nurse, he said.
They had just under two hours to get ready.
"The people in Saskatoon and around Saskatoon and smaller towns are very close-knit families. People knew who was in the bus. People knew somebody who knew somebody who was on the bus," Masri said.
"People could relate because a lot of people have kids that play on hockey teams that travel from town to town so this was personal."
Masri, whose parents are from Syria, volunteered with other doctors for two weeks in the war-torn country in 2011. That experience likely helped prepare him for the bus crash, he said. He learned to control his emotions and focus on the task at hand.
Reaction continues to pour in after Humboldt Broncos bus crash, including from the hockey world.
— Natasha Fatah (@NatashaFatah) April 7, 2018
Former NHL Player Sheldon Kennedy survived a fatal bus crash in Saskatchewan in 1986, but lost four of his teammates. He shares his thoughts. pic.twitter.com/R7K8eUj1AA
But while the severity of the injuries may have been similar, Masri said the resources available to treat the casualties were much, much better than what he had in Syria. Masri said the Saskatchewan Health Authority and hospital administration "played a huge role" in making sure everything went smoothly.
"There wasn't even a single hiccup yesterday that I could think of in the whole process."
Masri was trying to sleep Saturday but the experience kept replaying in his mind.
He'll be working again at 8 p.m.
"I'll go back to caring for the same patients who obviously will have a long road ahead, and will need me to be fresh and ready to take care of them."
HUMBOLDT TEAM BUS CRASH BRINGS BACK MEMORIES OF 1974 QUEBEC TRAGEDY
MONTREAL — The deadly Saskatchewan crash between a semi-trailer and bus carrying a junior hockey team brought back painful memories of another tragic accident that happened in Quebec in 1974, according to a former junior hockey team owner.
Nineteen-year old Gaetan Paradis was killed when a bus carrying the Sherbrooke Castors crashed nearly 50 kilometres outside of Chicoutimi, Que.
Another 29 people were severely injured when the bus flipped over due to treacherous road conditions.
A moment of silence was held before the NCAA men's hockey national title game for the victims of a bus crash involving the Humboldt Broncos, a Canadian junior hockey team. pic.twitter.com/MnAhTMNwqA
— DeShaunsMrk™ (@DeShaunsMrk) April 8, 2018
Former Castors co-owner Georges Guilbault said the former players still talk about what happened to Paradis, more than 40 years later.
"I had players who played in the NHL ... and still talk about Gaetan and about what happened," Guilbault said in a phone interview.
"Even if we won several championships, it keeps coming back."
He said the young Humboldt Broncos players will need a lot of support.
"It's going to take a lot of courage," he said. "They're teenagers, they're strong, but the message I have to give is to stay united."
The captain and head coach of the Broncos were among 15 people killed in Friday's crash, which also sent 14 to hospital.
