With news of the tragedy that occurred to the Humboldt Broncos Junior A hockey team on Friday, April 6 in Saskatchewan, the Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club has released the following statement:

"We are shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the events that occurred to the Humboldt Broncos Junior team of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) en route to a SJHL Playoff game. The sudden loss of so many lives in pursuit of the hockey dream is a tragedy beyond words. We extend our most heartfelt condolences to the families of those lost and our prayers for those injured. Today we stand with Humboldt"

In addition, Esmark Stars AAA Hockey sponsor - Esmark, Inc., issued the following statement from CEO Jim Bouchard:

“It’s a sad day for all hockey families around the world. On behalf of all of the athletes affiliated with Esmark, our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone impacted by this tragic accident.”

To commemorate those lost, Esmark Inc., which represents more than 2,000 student athletes, including those affiliated with the Johnstown Tomahawks Jr. A Hockey Club, Esmark Stars AAA Hockey, Esmark All-Americans, Quaker Valley Hockey, FC Pittsburgh and Esmark Youth Development, is developing a decal, which can be prominently displayed on hockey helmets, cars, etc., across the U.S. and Canada memorializing all of those impacted by this incident.

Esmark will pay for 100% of the cost to produce the decal. Families can obtain one by donating $1.00 (USD), and 100% percent of every dollar donated will go directly to the families impacted by this incident via an established “Go Fund Me” account. Details on how to make the donation and obtain the decal are forthcoming.

Prior to their NAHL game this evening with the Philadelphia Rebels, the Johnstown Tomahawks held a pre-game ceremony in which both teams stood together on the blue line on the ice for a moment of silence, followed by the playing of “Oh Canada” ... while 15 pucks were displayed at center ice.