Five months after tragedy struck, the Humboldt Broncos will start a new chapter on Wednesday night as the team opens the season in front of a sold-out crowd.
Join 980 CJME for a special edition of the Green Zone ‘The Broncos: A New Season’. Jamie Nye and Wray Morrison will be broadcasting live from the Elgar Peterson Arena beginning at 3 p.m.
The game will be bittersweet for players and fans alike just five months after a devastating bus crash killed 16 team members and injured 13 others when the team’s bus collided with a semi while on the way to a playoff game in April. A special remembrance ceremony will be held after the game.
Follow along with our team coverage from reporters in Humboldt talking to players, coaches and hockey fans about the first game.
Camrud scored a goal during drills today, leading to some big cheers from his teammates. Imagine the noise if he scores tomorrow. #HumboldtBroncos pic.twitter.com/17fxEO3anY
— Chris Vandenbreekel (@Vandecision) September 11, 2018
I asked head coach Nathan Oystrick what kind of pressure he's feeling ahead of tomorrow's home opener. He says "it's just another game" but it will be emotional. #HumboldtBroncos pic.twitter.com/hOClUkTSsj
— Chris Vandenbreekel (@Vandecision) September 11, 2018
In downtown Humboldt, a lot of businesses still have some form of #HumboldtStrong sign in the front window or on a placard. There's also a giant message of it painted outside city hall. #HumboldtBroncos pic.twitter.com/aEd2ntK7dJ
— Chris Vandenbreekel (@Vandecision) September 12, 2018
Something to know for tonight's @HumboldtBroncos home opener: The post-game ceremony will include a banner raising to retire the numbers of every player who was on the bus on April 6. #HumboldtBroncos pic.twitter.com/0IKSyHDNIY
— Chris Vandenbreekel (@Vandecision) September 12, 2018
This is what it looks like for everyone driving in to Elgar Petersen Arena for the #HumboldtBroncos home opener tonight. The names and pictures of each of the 16 who died in the April 6 crash, along with green/gold ribbons. pic.twitter.com/IaFciSOn3V
— Chris Vandenbreekel (@Vandecision) September 12, 2018
The lobby at Elgar Petersen Arena is full as fans flow in for the game. I've seen smiles, laughs, hugs and years already. #HumboldtBroncos pic.twitter.com/Jht10LicPx
— Chris Vandenbreekel (@Vandecision) September 12, 2018