Canada mourned the loss of 15 lives, its attention turned to a hockey arena in Saskatchewan Sunday night.
Hundreds gathered at the Elgar Petersen Arena Sunday night, the home ice of the Humboldt Broncos junior A hockey team, for a vigil remembering the 15 members of the organization killed in a horrific bus crash in rural Saskatchewan Friday.
The nationally-televised vigil was presided over by members of local clergy, representing different faiths. Large, full-colour photos of the deceased were displayed in front of a black curtain set up in front of one of the goals. A single circle of flowers outlined the Broncos logo at centre ice.
A minute of silence was given at 7:30pm Mountain time (9:30pm Eastern) to note the time the hockey game between the Broncos and the Nipawin Hawks was supposed to begin 48 hours before.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attended the hour-long vigil with Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, but neither spoke to the crowd.
The crowd did hear various speakers representing the Broncos organization itself and the town of Humboldt. An emotional Mayor Rob Muench thanked the town and the surrounding areas and the country for support and offers of help.
Muench reassured the injured players, their families, billets and friends that they have the town's complete support.
"We will get through this together," said Muench. "We're here behind you. We will be here for you."
Broncos team president Keith Garinger, pausing frequently to hold back tears, called attention to the long-reaching impact of the tragedy.
"For many of us, the real reach and scope of this tragedy will not be known," said Garinger.
The bus carrying 29 players, coaches and support staff was struck by a tractor-trailer at a rural intersection near Armley. Ten players, the team's head coach, an assistant coach, statistician, play-by-play announcer and bus driver perished. The remaining 14 passengers were injured, some critically.
The players were on their way to play a semifinal playoff game in Nipawin against the Hawks. The game was cancelled.
Garinger read aloud the names of the 15 people killed in the crash. He then ended his remarks by recognizing the efforts of first responders, who worked in the carnage for hours and comforted the injured.
"In all this darkness, a light has shone through," said Garinger.
Condolences have reached Humboldt from across Canada, North America and the world. U.S. President Donald Trump sent his thoughts via Twitter.
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/982673223719489536
Queen Elizabeth II sent her own condolences Sunday afternoon.
https://twitter.com/RoyalFamily/status/983105936184131587