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The Humboldt Broncos Tragedy: Young hockey players lost too soon

All this means one thing: cherish what you got. Every day. One moment that is completely out of your control can change everything. It can happen in an instant. We don't think about it because of how painful it is to even fathom, but it's realistic.
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They got on the bus like it was any other ride. 28 people, players and coaches along with the driver, bound for a playoff game in Canada. Young, earnest men who couldn't wait to play hockey along with the older souls sworn to protect their well-being.

The bus never made it to the destination.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police reported that 14 people from the Humboldt Broncos of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League team were killed when a bus collided with a tractor trailer late Friday night, with at least 14 other people injured, including three in critical condition. According to the New York Times, the crash happened 18 miles north of Tisdale, Saskatchewan.

14 killed after bus carrying hockey team collides with truck, Canadian police say

A crash between a transport truck and a bus carrying a junior hockey team in Western Canada left multiple people dead and others seriously injured, Canadian police said late Friday. The bus was carrying the Humboldt Broncos of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League to the town of Nipawin for a playoff game.

I feel a pinch in my stomach and a clinch in my heart when I think about the parents getting the call. Trying to wrap your head around kids ranging from 16 to 21 years old having their lives cut short due to a traffic accident is sinister for even the proudest cynic in the room. It tears me apart just thinking about the parents of one of these fine young men picking up the phone.

They assume it's their son checking in, telling them about the exciting times ahead. Maybe they can't contain the elation of a goal scored that same day, or maybe they just want to talk to their dad about a play they missed. The parents assume everything is okay, because that's what we do. Parents sweat the small stuff for a living, forgetting about the grave dangers ahead. The older the kid gets, the less you try to think about the possibility of burying your son or daughter, but it never quite leaves.

Before you wonder, let me answer the question lingering in your head at the moment. I didn't know a single person on the Broncos or anyone associated with the team or the families affected, but I felt compelled to write something. Maybe it's because I'm human and every time I see young lives lost, it just throws me around the room. Maybe it's because I'm a writer and that's how I transcribe grief.

My son, Vinny, is six years old, but he talks about playing hockey when he's older. He's into the sport and watches a decent amount of the game for his age. Being able to connect with him at such an early age is a wonderful thing, and I'd be lying if I didn't become red inside at the idea of him playing the game. I picture taking the road trips to games and seeing the team play. I would be too hard on him and then too soft. I couldn't choose. I would be proud.

Right now, the parents of the 14 young deceased men are desperately trying to put the pieces of their lives back together. They feel responsible for what happened, even if that's preposterous. Once again, if you are good parent, the biggest responsibility in life is keeping your children safe. It doesn't matter where they are or how old they get. Job remains the same. At this moment, the other parents and family of the coaches injured or lost are clinging to the hope that a happy ending is still possible. They may never fully recover.

All this means one thing: cherish what you got. Every day. One moment that is completely out of your control can change everything. It can happen in an instant. We don't think about it because of how painful it is to even fathom, but it's realistic.

I found out about the crash involving the Humboldt Broncos when I was driving for Uber. I pulled over and read the details and my heart sank. A few hours later, I drove to my South City home and walked up the stairs of my house to the bedroom where my wife and son were sleeping. I sat on the edge of the bed for a few minutes, just staring at them. I was reminding myself how lucky I was to have them.

Tonight, hug your kids. Hug your families. Somewhere, way up north, over 17 different families have seen their lives shattered and their world tipped over. If you are religious, send prayers. If you are just human, take a moment and send some good vibes their way.

Friday night, 28 people got on a bus with one goal: playoff hockey! They never made it there. Let's remember them today as families gather in Nipawin Apostolic Church waiting for information on their loved ones. Humboldt needs a whole lotta love today.

Thanks for reading and good morning.

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