The Prince George Cougars are providing an opportunity for local residents to show their support to the city of Humboldt, Sask., as well as to the family of Brock Hirsche.
Humboldt is in a state of mourning after a Friday crash of the Humboldt Broncos bus and a loaded semi truck left 15 members of the junior hockey team dead and 14 others injured. Meanwhile, Hirsche - a former captain of the Western Hockey League's Cougars - died at age 26 on the weekend after a battle with cancer.
A Monday media release issued by the Cougars said the public is invited to come to CN Centre Tuesday and Wednesday between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. to sign banners for Humboldt and the Hirsche family.
Furthermore, the team is inviting everyone involved in the game of hockey to gather for a group photo on the ice at CN Centre at 6 p.m. on Thursday. The photo will be sent to Humboldt and the Hirsche family as a gesture of solidarity, sympathy and support. The Cougars are encouraging people who come for the photo to arrive with signs and in hockey jerseys. There has been a nationwide call to make Thursday "Jersey Day" in Canada, in honour of the Broncos.
"This is a time where hockey transcends the game itself," said Andy Beesley, vice president of business for the Cougars. "This is about one community showing support to another that is hurting, and to family members who we can all empathize and sympathize with. For the many thousands of people that love hockey, this has been an extremely difficult time and we want to provide an opportunity for Prince George to come together in these trying circumstances."
