BERWICK, NS - Valley Wildcats hockey team owner Graham Baxter paid his respects during a visit to the site of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash in Saskatchewan recently.
“It was the right thing to do,” said Baxter. “I was in Saskatchewan, a few hours away, and thought it’d only be right, being involved in junior hockey, and having our own kids on the road. I just went to pay my respects to a bunch of kids that are gone, that shouldn’t be gone right now.”
Baxter added that seeing the site in person was an emotional experience and that what you read in the news or see on television can’t compare to witnessing it with your own eyes.
“It was quite emotional,” said Baxter. “You know, when you read it in a paper or look at it in the news, it’s a long ways away, but when you’re standing on the spot, it’s just a lot different perspective. You know, it’s real, you’re there.”
READ MORE:
• Valley Wildcats hold vigil for Humboldt Broncos
• Saskatchewan man thankful for Hants County’s compassion for Humboldt victims
• Photos: Jerseys for Humboldt receives support from southwestern Nova Scotia
• Humboldt mayor thanks Amherst hockey team for its support
• Video: Truro man pays tribute to Humboldt Broncos with harmonica rendition of Amazing Grace
When asked if this incident has increased concern or awareness of the safety of his players when travelling for games, Baxter explained that while safety is always a top priority, this incident has been more of a reminder that things can always happen out of one’s control.
“You’re always concerned about that, that’s always in the back of your mind when you’re putting kids on the road and travelling for hours in a bus, so I don’t know if it necessarily heightens the awareness anymore,” said Baxter.
“I wouldn’t say that we’re any more concerned about the safety of our players than we ever were, but we’re reminded that there are always things that can happen that are out of our control that we can only do our best to prepare for.”
While the junior hockey community in Canada has always been a close one, an incident like this is a reminder of how close everyone really is, Baxter added.
“These clubs are so intertwined all across the country. I mean, you’re trading, you’re talking, you’re trying to make deals all the time,” said Baxter.
“It was a tightknit community anyway, but something like this has just, in general, brought people closer.”
Baxter said that it was also a reminder to appreciate what you have and not to take those around you for granted. He encourages anyone who gets the opportunity to visit the site if they can.
“We all have to be aware and appreciate what we have and what we have around us all the time because you can never know when they’ll be snatched away from you,” said Baxter. “If you’re ever in the area and get the chance to go to the site, it’s definitely eye-opening.”
