Kimberley Johnson – 104.9 JRFM
The Brockville Braves say hockey fans will be able to pay tribute to the Homboldt Broncos victims, family and friends at Tuesday night’s game at the Memorial Centre.
The Braves and Ottawa Junior Senator plan to lead the arena in a moment of silence, in a tribute to the Bronco lives lost. Braves Head Coach Jessie Winchester says that the team has turned to each other to help process it.
“We were forced to turn around pretty quickly for Saturday’s game,” he explains. “We talked about it before the game, and paying tribute to the kids who aren’t ever able to play again, and we wanted to give an honest heartfelt effort as tribute. And I think that’s all we could do in that moment.”
Director of Operations Jamie McDougall says for each ticket sold $1 will be donated to the Broncos team, fans will be able to make separate cash and cheque donations, and ribbons will be handed out for fans to wear.
“We’re also going to have an on ice ceremony before the game starts,” she says. “So I would suggest that people get there early, to make sure that people can get their ribbons, their donations, so we can all be in the rink for our opening tribute.”
The Book of Condolences for the Bronco’s currently in City Hall will also be on hand to sign.
#OTTvsBRO – #Game6
The Braves will be fundraising for the Humboldt Broncos players and families tomorrow.
$1 from each ticket and any additional donations will be forwarded to the Broncos.
We will also have a pre-game ceremony to honour those lost and injured.#BrothersinHockey pic.twitter.com/TyVp0F72cA— Brockville Braves (@BrockBraves) April 10, 2018
Braves Head Coach Jessie Winchester says as a new father and as a coach he’s been left shaken.
“It’s not something you ever think about in the moment, I know I never really did. It teaches you to take every day as it comes and enjoy the time that you have with your friends and family, and doing the things that you do love and do them as often as you can. It goes by way too quickly obviously.”
MacDougall agrees and says this first game back on home ice will be a tough one, but that players are set to give it their all.
Full article and interview with Jesse Winchester at iheartradio.ca
