One-hundred percent of proceeds from the Hockey Lodge and concession donations will go to support the Humboldt victims' fund. The fund will support long-term psychological counseling for the victims along with continued assistance throughout the Humboldt community.
Fans attending Friday's viewing party -- Gates 1 and 2 will open at 6 p.m. -- will also have the opportunity to sign a large #HumboldtStrong banner in support of the Broncos team and community. All in attendance will be asked to gather around the banner for a photo, with the moment shown on FOX Sports North and Rogers Sports Net's telecasts of the contest.
The April 6 accident that killed 16 players, coaches and team staff sent shockwaves throughout the hockey world, including the Minnesota Wild locker room. The team is wearing Humboldt Broncos helmet stickers during its playoff games, and coaches from both the Wild and Jets donned green ribbons during Game 1 on Wednesday night in Winnipeg.
Wild assistant coach Bob Woods
was born 20 miles outside of Humboldt
and grew up watching the Broncos play; his oldest son, Brendan, was born in Humboldt, and his youngest son, Colin, played for the team two seasons ago. His mother and two of his sisters reside in the area, as well.
Woods was also close with Broncos coach Darcy Haugan, who passed away in the crash.
"Anybody in the hockey world, it's probably your worst nightmare coming true," said Woods, who's well familiar with life on the road in the Western Hockey League, having coached the Saskatoon Blades from 2014-16. "Just growing up in that area, the hockey team is such a big part of the community there. You get to know all the billets, all the families. ... It's going to be a tough time around there for a long time."
Related:
- Humboldt tragedy hits close to home for Woods
- Watch: Coach Bruce Boudreau's reaction to Humboldt tragedy
- Watch: Woods talks with reporters about Humboldt crash
