Elgar Petersen Arena was empty and quiet like a church Saturday afternoon.
15 people died as a semi collided with the Humboldt Broncos bus Friday evening north of Tisdale. Deaths confirmed by the deceased’s family members over social media include coach Darcy Haugan, team captain Logan Schatz and broadcaster Tyler Bieber.
The arena building hosted a press conference earlier in the afternoon, which included city leaders.
“We are heartbroken and completely devastated by the tragedy that happened yesterday,” said Broncos president Kevin Garinger, thanking emergency services staff.
“We know this is a moment that we must come together to support, comfort, and to lean on one another. We will persevere and we will honour the souls that were lost.”
After the media event, fans, friends, billet families and others paid respects in the arena.
“It’s just so sad,” said a man, as he shook hands with people scattered in the stands.
Premier Scott Moe also hosted a press conference in Saskatoon.
“In these young men, the players, the coaches, the staff, every individual and family in this province will see themselves in these boys,” Moe said. “These boys are our boys. Their team is our team. Their school is our school. Their community is our community. And their families are now our families.”
The March 2018 issue of Overtime Magazine, available at the arena, featured an interview with Schatz. He finished second in league scoring behind Battlefords North Stars’ captain Layne Young.
Schatz is from Allan. The article says he had an opportunity to play in the WHL, but he and his family decided to go the Junior A route to keep open the option of playing college hockey in the U.S.
“In a perfect world you’d love to have a scholarship off your plate at this time of year, but getting frustrated about it would only hurt the team,” Schatz is quoted as saying. “I’ve talked about it with my coaches a lot, I’m not going to let it get in the way of our team’s success. We’re having a great year and the rest will take care of itself.”
A vigil will be held at the arena, starting at 7 p.m on Sunday, in place of what would have been Game 6 in the Broncos’ playoff series against the Nipawin Hawks.
