The London Knights showed their support for the victims of the Humboldt bus crash by holding a special event Thursday.
Londoners flocked to Covent Garden Market, where the London Knights took a group photo of everyone in their hockey jerseys.
“Myself and my brothers all grew up playing hockey. My heart goes out to those people on the bus, as I think I’m connected to them in that way,” said Londoner Patty Brulotte.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the families and the survivors, as they’ve got a long road ahead. Hopefully, they feel the support across Canada, because it’s from all over, coast to coast,” she said.
On April 6, the Humboldt Broncos were headed north to Nipawin for a playoff game when their bus collided with a semi-truck at a remote intersection near Tisdale, Sask.
“It breaks my heart that I can’t fix this, or make it better,” said Londoner Sandra Dixon.
“The feeling has been getting worse all week. Seeing photos of the victims, hockey players crying, everything is making it worse,” she said.
Multiple high-profile Londoners were in attendance, including Mayor Matt Brown.
“I think it’s so important that Londoners come together just as people are coming together right across the country, to let the entire community of Humboldt know that we are with them,” Brown said.
“The London Knights are synonymous with the city, and I’m so grateful that they took the time to do this for the city, offering their show of support.
In addition to the photo that was taken, a banner was on display for Londoners to sign and write messages to the Humboldt community.
“This whole thing is extremely upsetting, and as a hockey player, it really hits home,” said London Knights captain Evan Bouchard.
“You don’t like to think about it too much, but it could have been us. It makes me realize how much faith we put in our bus driver,” he said.
Both the banner and the photo will be sent to Humboldt, Sask.
In addition, the Knights donated $5,000, as well as collected donations from Londoners at the event.