What started as a text between two friends has turned into a social media phenomenon.
On Sunday night, TSN play-by-play announcer Brian Munz posted a picture from a friend living in Humboldt, Sask., on his Twitter feed. The message showed a lonely hockey stick left out on the front step of a home with the message, “Leaving it out on the porch tonight. The boys might need it … wherever they are.”
On Friday, 15 people died and 14 were injured after a bus carrying the Humboldt Broncos hockey team was involved in a highway crash outside Tisdale, Sask. Since then, hundreds of people, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and hockey legend Don Cherry have all reached out in support.
Munz, who had called Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League games on the radio for five years, including for the Broncos, posted his friend’s message.
Since that post, dozens of people have tweeted their pictures under the hashtag #PutYourStickOut to show their support to the team and their friends and families.
The movement has also received backing from Sask. hockey player Haley Wickenheiser.
Jumping on a ✈️ to be w/ @paulbrandt and honour those affected. Left my stick out front, not just any stick, my first hockey stick ever, from Shaunavon. Classsic wooden Titan. Hope the boys don’t use it, nothing but muffins coming out of that thing! #humboldtstrongpic.twitter.com/jb3TnTRN0t
—@wick_22
A vigil was held in Humboldt on Sunday, bringing hundreds of people together to remember the people killed in the crash and pray.
The same night, people also gathered at Saskatoon’s city hall and the arena in Prince Albert, Sask., in honour of those lost in the accident.
