Nanaimo plays for Humboldt: street hockey event binds community
NANAIMO — From six-year-olds battling in the corner to someone’s mom strapping on the goalie equipment, Nanaimo came together to show solidarity for Humboldt.
More than 300 people packed the old Sears parking lot on Sunday for the Humboldt Strong Street Hockey Tournament, to raise money and show support for those affected by the tragic bus crash involving the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team.
A festive, positive, supportive and inclusive atmosphere brought out competitors ranging in age from six to 60. Handshakes and hugs followed every game, as players jumped in to take shifts on various teams during an event designed not to see people compete for a trophy, but to pay homage to Humboldt through hockey.
Standing and watching a co-ed game that included a man who only came to make a donation and ended up being talked into playing, organizer Angela Eaves said she was “speechless” at what herself and the community accomplished in under two weeks of planning.