A moving tribute was paid to local athletes Ryan McBeath and Graysen Cameron, as well as Logan Boulet, during the home opener of the Stingers lacrosse game versus the Rockyview Rage Friday night.
McBeath was killed in a two-vehicle accident March 13 near Torrington and Cameron was injured April 6 during a crash between a bus carrying the Humboldt Broncos hockey team and a semi-trailer about 200 kilometres northeast of Saskatoon.
Boulet, whose father grew up in Olds and whose grandparents still live here, was killed in the crash. He had generously donated his organs, thereby enabling six other people to live.
Both McBeath and Cameron were lacrosse and hockey athletes as well as good friends.
McBeath was honoured first.
His parents were presented with flowers and his number 14 jersey. The team announced that that number will now be retired in his honour.
An announcer noted that McBeath helped his team finish first in the league last year and win the provincial Tier III championship.
It was also announced that Stingers and Mavericks lacrosse players will wear stickers on their helmets and shoulder patches on their jerseys in memory of McBeath.
"He was always there when the team needed him," the announcer said.
Tribute was also paid to Cameron and Boulet, as well as Boulet's family.
The announcer asked for a minute of silence for McBeath "and the 16 lost souls and the rest of the Humboldt hockey players and the community."
The program for the game featured a photo of McBeath in his Stingers jersey and holding a trophy.
Fans were provided with a chance to give donations to the Ryan McBeath Scholarship Fund and Cameron's family to aid in his recovery. A total of $900 was raised.
Stingers co-coach Andy Sweetman says, at the suggestion of Cameron's family, all that money was donated to the Ryan McBeath Scholarship Fund.
"We are praying for a full recovery, Graysen," the program said.
Just before the game began, three banners were raised: for the 2016 provincial gold medal, won by the Mavericks; the provincial gold medal, won by the Stingers last season; and a banner in memory of McBeath.
Sweetman says plans are in the works to honour Cameron when the Mavericks hold their home opener near the end of this month.
The Stingers beat the Rage 7-6 in overtime in Friday's game.
