A tribute was paid to local resident and Humboldt Broncos player Graysen Cameron during the home opener of the Olds Mavericks Tier 1 lacrosse team at the Sportsplex Friday.
On April 6, 16 people were killed and 13 -- including Cameron -- were injured when a Humboldt Broncos bus and a semi-trailer collided about 200 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon as the Broncos were on their way to a junior A hockey playoff game.
In addition to being a talented hockey player, Cameron, 18, is also a very skilled lacrosse player and a member of the Mavericks.
At the end of the ceremonies, he surprised many by coming out to the centre of the playing surface to speak to the crowd and received a standing ovation.
During the ceremonies, members of the Mavericks and the visiting Saskatchewan Swat stood in a big circle in the centre of the playing surface. Each member of the Mavericks had the name "Cameron" on the back of his jersey.
It was noted that among those killed in the accident was Danya Brons who served as an athletic therapist for both the Humboldt Broncos and the Saskatchewan Swat. Condolences were expressed on behalf of the Mavericks, the Olds Grizzlys and others in the community.
Members of the Olds tyke and novice teams, each carrying a green glow stick representing each of the 16 people killed in the accident, slowly walked around the outside of the circle created by the Mavericks and Swat players.
A moment of silence was then held for each soul lost in the accident and for all those affected by the tragedy.
Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills MLA Nathan Cooper addressed the crowd.
"Tonight we have an incredible honour, to remember and welcome our friends from Saskatchewan as we remember one who they have lost in the form of their team trainer," he said.
"We also have a chance to think and pause for a moment to remember those who lost their lives and also celebrate one of our very own in the form of Graysen Cameron.
"You know, it's incredible. No one has lost more this spring than Graysen. And he has done such an amazing job of showing strength, resilience, determination, and in many ways has made us all so, so proud," Cooper said.
"What can you say about him? A natural athlete, a community leader, a leader amongst his friends, and he has done so much for the game as well as for our community.
"Over the past three weeks, we've all felt a sense of loss. And it is because of our community that we can come together and be made stronger because of each other."
At Cooper's suggestion, the crowd gave a round of applause for all that Cameron has gone through and overcome.
Cooper told the crowd that Cameron would have loved to have attended the event but had provided a video instead, which was played on the scoreboard.
"Thank you everyone for coming out to support the Mavericks on our first-ever Junior B Tier 1 home opener. I can't wait to see you all soon," Cameron said in the video.
"To the Swat team, my deepest condolences to anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Dayna and how much she meant to each of us. She'll be greatly missed by all.
"And to everyone back home, I can't thank you enough for all the support that you guys have shown me, my family and the Humboldt Broncos. It's been incredibly humbling and I can't thank you guys enough.
"Best of luck boys tonight and hopefully I can see you guys soon," he concluded, sparking applause.
That's when the announcer welcomed Cameron onto the playing surface, wearing his number 9 Mavericks jersey.
Cameron kept his remarks brief.
"Thanks everyone for coming out and showing all the support the last couple of weeks here. It's been pretty surreal and I just can't thank you guys enough, so thank you," he said, sparking a standing ovation.
During the evening, Cameron signed the airbrushed artwork created by local resident Clint Jackson at the request of his friend, Daryl Lowey.
As was reported earlier by the Albertan, the aluminum piece measures about six feet by four feet. It depicts all 16 people killed in the tragedy surrounded by two big angel’s wings and two crossed hockey sticks.
Lowey and Jackson took it to Humboldt this past weekend to get it signed by as many players and others affected by the tragedy as possible. The plan was then to present it to Humboldt town council. They hope it will help the Broncos and the Humboldt community heal, at least to some extent.
Also during the ceremonies, the crowd was told via the sound system what lacrosse has -- and can -- do for people. It got its beginnings as a game played by aboriginal people.
"When someone in the tribe was struggling, the community came together and held a lacrosse game to uplift the spirit and soul and to support the individual. They played out of honour, respect, strength and love for one another," the crowd was told.
"The support of the community for the mental health and well-being of its individuals is profound, as each individual is seen as an imperative member of the community. As the life of one person has great impact on the lives of those around them, a ripple effect is created and the community strengthens.
"Your team, your fellow players and your lacrosse community are your support. Band together as you play for your love of life and for your love of the game. Play with grit, play with skill, play with heart," it said in conclusion.
The Swat beat the Mavericks 13-10.
