Humboldt remembers on first anniversary of Broncos bus crash

Belief was a recurring topic during a memorial service held at Elgar Petersen Arena on Saturday to mark the one-year anniversary of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash.

Carol Brons’ daughter Dayna Brons was among the 16 killed and 13 injured when a semi-truck collided with the team’s bus at the intersection of Highways 35 and 335.

During the service, she gave a message on behalf of the team’s families from that season.

“This tragedy brought people together in a significant way. As a result, important conversations are happening in education, health and mental health, and in transportation,” Brons said.

“Please keep talking. Continue to advocate for positive change. Good must continue to come from this.”

Brons was joined on stage by Celeste Leray-Leicht, mother of Jacob Leicht, one of the players killed.

“Get help when you need it. Offer help when you can. By helping others, we begin to heal and find the courage to believe we will heal,” said Leray-Leicht.

“When we speak about the legacy of our loved ones, what does that mean? It means speaking their names and it means living a life that honours our 16 angels and our 13 survivors.”

A candle lighting ceremony during a service to mark the first anniversary of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash at the Elgar Petersen Arena on April 6, 2019. (Liam Richards/Saskatoon Star Phoenix)

In his message, Humboldt Mayor Rob Muench sensed that people have started to recover from the tragedy.

“We shed tears together, offered a shoulder to cry on or a comforting hug. We talked about being overcome by a darkness but we also referred to a light at the end of the tunnel. I believe today a year later, we are now starting to see a glimmer of that light.”

He also remarked on the Humboldt Broncos’ first season back in the SJHL since the crash — a successful one that saw the team make the playoffs.

“The team played inspired hockey and made it fun to come to the rink every game. This brought a much-needed return to normal life in our community,” Muench said.

He also expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support that came from across the country.

“We will forever be grateful for the prayers, the sticks on the porch, the jerseys worn, green ribbons tied and quilts sewn,” Muench said.

The ceremony included a moment of silence at 4:50 p.m., the time of the crash.

Faith was also a key component, with numerous prayers, readings from scripture and a performance of “Amazing Grace.”

Just like the vigil held a year ago, the service featured a sermon from the Broncos pastor Sean Brandow, who urged people to hold onto their faith through adversity.

“Just remember: it’s not the amount of strength that you have, not the quantity of belief that you have but the object of it. Come to the Father,” Brandow said.

“I thank you, Father, that we can remember. We miss Darcy and we miss Brody and we miss Dayna. We miss every one of these guys.”