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Nanaimo plays for Humboldt: street hockey event binds community

Apr 22, 2018 | 1:09 PM

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.

“I didn’t even have to ask people for help, they were just coming up to me saying ‘What can I do?’ I had the idea but the community was the true hero in getting this event together. They helped one little idea turn into what this is today.”

Players signed a large banner which will be sent to Humboldt. Eaves said when the team opens up the banner and looks at pictures and videos from Sunday’s event, she hoped they would feel the support of Nanaimo and the whole country.

“We love you. This is in your honour, all of this is for you and you’re not alone…We’re here as a nation to support you.”

Co-organizer Steve Blunt said he’s moved by the way Nanaimo comes out in support of events like the tournament time and time again. He said the atmosphere reminded him of how communities rally around sport, especially in times of need.

“Seeing all the kids, the adults having fun. It brings me back to that arena experience. You’re there visiting with families while your kids are there playing. The whole Canadian hockey experience as a whole propelled me to get involved,” Blunt said.

Vancouver Canucks legend Thomas Gradin and his wife travelled from Vancouver to support the event. He said it was lovely to see very young children, both boys and girls, competing alongside teenagers and adults.

“It’s amazing what we humans can do. It’s an unbelievable process that happens when everybody tries to help everybody. I think it’s a significant thing for the country. There are people from coast-to-coast giving a helping hand to Humboldt that might not even know where Humboldt is,” Gradin said.

While Eaves didn’t have a final total for how much money was raised, she was confident they surpassed $5,000.

 

 

 

 

 

 

dom@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @domabassi