I wrote this for the Humboldt Broncos in April 2018 after we learned of this tragic accident.
I couldn't share it before this, as I had entered it into a contest.
As a mother and Grandmother to hockey players, and a mother who has had a child in an automobile accident, receiving the horrible phone call from a hospital, I therefore felt this very deeply and had to write it down.
I hope that I've managed to portray that fateful night adequately and eloquently with this poem.
Oh Canada …. We Lost;
15 Men, they wanted to live
they had so much more in them to give.
But, alas, they weren't given a choice,
their opinion they never got to voice.
They got on the bus ready for fun
not knowing it was their last day to see the sun.
Talking, laughing and joking around,
on the bus while traveling from town to town.
But all of that ended, this fateful night,
the wreck, the carnage, a horrible sight.
Twenty-eight people scattered around,
Debris and people all over the ground.
The bus cracked open and on its' side,
while young boys and men quietly died.
Some unconscious but at least alive,
and others wondering if they'd survive.
The truck driver never knew,
and the driver on the bus had no clue
That on April 6th, their paths would cross
Or that so many lives would be lost.
Young men, boys really, now laying in beds
Trying to take in what the doctor just said.
Fear gripping them along with the pain,
wondering if they'll ever see their team mates again.
Time creeps by ever so slow,
While officials try to let their parents know
That a horrible accident happened tonight
Giving them all such a terrible fright.
Parents rushing to the hospital with dread
Praying their son is alive and not dead.
So many families have been hurt
15 dead, plus 1 more we learnt.
The news travels across the land,
While 3 men lay in bed holding a hand,
Their grip on each other is very tight,
While silently hoping they'll be alright.
Hour after hour slowly goes by,
And every now and then you hear the anguished cry.
Another parent has learned the news,
That tonight their son, they did lose.
Parents and friends sit vigilantly by
While nurses and surgeons diligently try
To fix the young man with a broken back;
Praying the nerves will give a positive feedback.
The survivors will never again be the same
And many may never again play the game
As this night will be forever etched in time
The loss of so many lives a tragic crime.
Healing will take weeks, months or years
As they each have to work through their fears
Adjust and re-adjust their lives again
As each struggle, with their own unique pain.
The news through social media, it was shared
And all across Canada, we showed that we cared.
Placing hockey sticks upon our porch
With a candle or light as our beacon torch.
Teams in Canada and from far and wide
Gathered together, their support amplified.
For all hockey teams, the bond is the same;
giving moments of silence before their game.
On the April 12th, all of Canada did wear
Jerseys' of various teams with flair
Showering the Humboldt Broncos team
With love and concern, was the main theme.
All around the world, people joined in
when you are part of hockey, you're like next of kin.
We all feel the pain and are with heavy hearts
Praying for a time when the healing starts.
Some people have songs that have been written and sung
While others have stories and poems that have sprung.
So my new friends and family of spirit and mind
Your life lives on and forever we'll be entwined.
Marilyn R Carter
© April 2018
Written in Empathy and Sympathy for all the family and friends of the Bronco team.
In Sympathy for the families and friends of these boys, men and woman that they lost;
Taylor Bieber Logan Boulet Dayna Brons Mark Cross Glen Doerksen
Play by Play #27 Defense Athletic Assistant Bus Driver
Announcer Therapist Coach
Darcy Haugan Adam Herold Brody Hinz Logan Hunter Jaxon Joseph
Head Coach #5 Defense Statistician #18 Right Wing #13 Centre
Jacob Leicht Conner Lukan Evan Thomas Parker Tobin Stephen Wack
#11 Left Wing #12 Left Wing #20 Centre #30 Goalie #7 Defense