Paralyzed Humboldt Broncos reunite with teammates, tribute centre in the works

Ryan Strazchnitzki, who was paralyzed following the deadly 2018 bus crash in Saskatchewan, reunited with teammates from the Humboldt Broncos Wednesday.

Cochrane Now reports that the photos, which have since gone viral, show 14 members of the 2018 Broncos by a pool in Saskatoon, reuniting for the first time since the bus crash.

Strazchnitzki said he felt nerve-wracked at first when he knew he could see his former teammates. "You haven't seen them in so long," he said: "Everyone experienced this differently so you're not sure how some people are going to handle it.

He adds: "You kind of go in with the right mindset. Those nerves go away as soon as everyone starts hugging each other. We're like a family now." Despite his paralysis, Strazchnitzki continues pursuing his passion for ice sports. He is currently taking physiotherapy, and trains for sled hockey with team Alberta.

The news comes as the city of Humboldt is fundraising $35 million for a Tribute Centre to honour the 2017-2018 Humboldt Broncos. DCG philanthropic has been hired by the city to coordinate the campaign.

“They've been doing a lot of work over the last few months, mostly focused on developing committees – both local committees and provincial committees – who will then reach out to some of those organizations that have showed an interest previously [in making a donation to a Broncos tribute],” said Joe Day, the city manager. “Rather than it being all in the responsibility of the consultant, it puts a little bit more of a personal touch if there's a local committee that reaches out to a local organization.” The city anticipates the costs will be funded through donations.

Day also said that work is underway on the Humboldt memorial project at the Highway 35-335 intersection. “At this point, there's still some delays with respect to just ensuring that all of the utilities that run by there are either worked around or relocated,” he said.