The Olds Grizzlys paid tribute to the Humboldt Broncos during their home opener Friday, Sept. 14 at the Sportsplex.
On April 6, 16 people were killed and 13 people were injured -- including Graysen Cameron of Olds -- when a semi collided with a bus carrying the Humboldt Broncos to a playoff game in rural Saskatchewan.
As part of Friday night's ceremonies, a banner paying tribute to the Broncos was raised on behalf of the Grizzlys, the Alberta Junior Hockey League, the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, and the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL), as well as similar organizations in the U.S.
The purpose, an announcer said, is "to ensure that we continue to pay tribute to all those who lost their lives, the survivors, all the family members, the first responders and everyone who lives or was touched during the course of this tragic event" and "to ensure that all fans take a moment to see that their memory is forever enshrined within the CJHL on behalf of all of our 133 members within our Junior A communities."
The banner reads, "We play for them."
As part of the ceremonies, a moment of silence was held for all those involved or affected by the tragedy.
Fans were urged to sign organ donor cards in honour of Humboldt Bronco Logan Boulet who passed away as a result of the collision. Before he died, Boulet had signed an organ donor card. His organs were donated, saving six lives.
The crowd was urged to "stay Humboldt strong."
To cap off the ceremonies, longtime Grizzlys supporter Myrl Goddard dropped the ceremonial puck, sparking cheers.
The Grizzlys were beaten 5-1 by the Calgary Mustangs in that game and lost 7-4 to the Okotoks Oilers at the Sportsplex on Saturday.
As a result, the Grizzlys sport an 0-2 record as they get ready to play a rematch with the Canucks this Friday, Sept. 21 in Calgary.
