The Baytex Energy Centre was packed with hockey fans awaiting the return of the Humboldt Broncos on Saturday evening.
The event kicked off with a barbecue before the pregame ceremony began. During the ceremony, President of the Navigators, Albert Cooper gave a touching speech, and afterward Darcy Haugan’s family gave a short prayer before they participated in the ceremonial puck drop.
At around 7:30 P.M. the game began and the Humboldt Broncos were officially back in action.
Around 10 P.M. the game wrapped up, with the final score being 4 – 2 for the Whitecourt Wolverines.
The Trending 55 Newsroom got a chance to speak to the Humboldt Broncos Coach, Nathan Oystrick. Oystrick says he acknowledges the Broncos have some things to work on defensively, but he’s optimistic that the team will improve as the hockey season moves forward.
“We were a little sloppy in the D zone,” says Oystrick. “The compete level is there, we saw some really good things. Some guys really stood out for us, obviously Cameron was one of them, and Patter. Those guys are two of our leaders and they showed up tonight.”
Oystrick explains the Humboldt Broncos had mixed emotions heading into the first preseason game.
“There was obviously mixed emotions and some excitement being here and being able to play for Darcy and his family, and in front of you guys – the home crowd. He was a big part of both of these organizations. He was the face of them for years,” says Oystrick. “It was an emotional night.”
Oystrick says getting behind the bench and coaching also left him with mixed emotions, but adds it’s a big step forward.
“It was good to be watching hockey again and seeing the Broncos, obviously being a part of it. There was definitely some emotions, even the guys getting a standing ovation at the end of the game – Barney and I almost started crying in the tunnel. So, it’s not easy, but like I said, it’s a step forward.”
Preseason hockey action isn’t done for the Broncos yet. At 2:30 P.M. today, Humboldt takes to the ice against the Grande Prairie Storm.
