By Spencer Sterritt

Fallen Humboldt Broncos honoured as Nanaimo plays to help sick children

May 4, 2019 | 10:14 PM

NANAIMO — One year after their community was devastated by the news of the Humboldt Broncos bus tragedy, Nanaimo hockey players are banding together once again.

More than two dozen teams will be back on the pavement rink playing in the Humboldt Strong Memorial Street Hockey Tournament on Sunday. This year, funds will be raised for Canucks Place, a children’s hospice helping suffering families at no cost.

“They’re an amazing support system for families who have to deal with terminally ill children,” organizer Angela Eaves told NanaimoNewsNOW. “No family wants to think about their kids in that situation but unfortunately Canuck Place is a service which needs to continue.”

The first year of the tournament raised more than $8,000 for the Humboldt Strong Foundation. Eaves said she hopes they can raise more this year for Canucks Place and create a lasting tradition in the local hockey community.

“We want this to be one of the events people look forward to every year,” Eaves said. “We will pick a new, very well-deserving charity and hopefully raise lots of money.”

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Eaves said they’re honoured a family helped by Canucks Place will be at the tournament, sharing their story and how important it is to come together and support one another.

She also received a letter from the mayor of Humboldt, thanking them for honouring the fallen hockey players.

“Hockey is part of the Canadian DNA, that’s why the (Humboldt Broncos) tragedy shook the nation the way it did,” Eaves said. “Hockey units Canada and it’s a wonderful community to be part of. It’s loving, it’s caring, it’s wonderful.”

The tennis ball drops at 9 a.m.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit