Universal Sports in Humboldt is owned by Mark Doepker. (Lara Fominoff/CKOM News)

By Lara Fominoff/CKOM News

Humboldt residents reflect and heal in 3 years since Broncos tragedy

Apr 6, 2021 | 2:25 PM

The hockey equipment has been put aside in Universal Sports in Humboldt right now in favour of shiny new bikes and baseball equipment.

But even though it’s springtime, for owner Mark Doepker, April 6, 2018 will always be a day to remember and reflect on those lost and injured in the Humboldt Broncos bus crash.

When word got out in the City of Humboldt about what happened, there wasn’t just shock and disbelief — many were devastated. Doepker was working in his store when he heard about the terrible news.

“Somebody came in and just said that the Bronco bus was in an accident up around Nipawin,” he said. “At that time, they didn’t know how bad it was or anything, but it was like, ‘Oh my God, really?’ But yeah, it turned out it was not good at all.”

The town would soon learn that 16 people on board the bus died, and 13 others were injured in the crash at the intersection of highways 35 and 335 between Tisdale and Nipawin.

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Rob Muench was Humboldt’s mayor at the time. He said as often occurs with significant events, most people can recall exactly what they were doing when they heard about the tragedy and the community looked to him for leadership.

“I talked to somebody … about how everybody got together in Jubilee Hall afterwards, and it was a room full of very distressed people,” said Muench.

“You know, one of the things I remember vividly from that night is that somebody gave me a microphone and said, ‘Can you say something? Because they need to hear something.’ And it was probably one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to do in my life.”

Resident Sandy Woods was billeting several hockey players at the time. She also remembers that night vividly, and explained it has been a long journey to heal.

“I had three hockey players and they all felt the same way,” said Woods.

“They just felt sick because, you know, they had ridden the bus miles and miles. It was a very sad day and I think we should commemorate it every year.”

Doepker said it has taken time to move past the sadness.

“I guess it was tragic at the time, and it still is. But you grow through it — if that sounds reasonable,” said Doepker.

“I’m doing fine and I think the town is starting to do fine … it’s just something that will never be forgotten. It’s here always.”

Muench said residents, team members, family members and others want to look at some of the positive developments that have come out of a dark and difficult time, including ‘Green Shirt Day.’

“It seems like every one of the families (affected by the crash) has something going that has come from this, whether it’s a hockey tournament or a fundraiser or giving back, like in the case of the organ donors with the Boulet family,” he said. “That’s what people seem to be focusing on now.”

With the announcement of a new $25-million tribute centre, he added it was yet another way the city is looking at healing the entire community.