It is hard to quite describe the experience of being in Humboldt on a day where they took another step.
Nobody knew what to expect when the puck dropped and the first goal was scored and the final buzzer sounded. There was no manual, no precedent on what it was going to be like.
But I can say with absolute certainty what I truly felt after spending more time in Humboldt. Inspiration.
The people there are truly inspiring. To overcome, persevere, move forward but also stand next to one another to make sure their team and their town are supported.
Derek Patter and Brayden Camrud, the two assistant captains, who survived the bus crash embraced the wife of Darcy Haugen in the post-game ceremony.
Camrud spoke on how he needed to make sure the 22 new members of the Broncos were OK.
But it was the entire community, the people, the attitude, the willingness to open their lives again to a national audience.
When you’re there, you truly and deeply know what it means to be Humboldt Strong.