Fatalities have been reported and many are in hospital with serious injuries. We are very aware that some members of the Broncos are U of S students and we have alumni throughout the Saskatchewan and Canadian junior hockey system connected to teams and organizations. Our students, faculty and staff of St. Peter’s College in Muenster are a part of the Humboldt community. There are many among the university community touched and impacted by this tragedy.
A special thank you to our Protective Services officers, who remained onsite for hours at Royal University Hospital to assist as a multitude of air and ground emergency vehicles arrived with the injured. The university is providing residence rooms, delivery of culinary services meals, and reserved free parking near the hospital for the families of those affected. I know it is part of who we are to come together as a community in times like this, and I thank everyone for their efforts.
A vigil will be held early this week at a time and location that will be communicated on Monday. Our flags will be lowered to half mast in honour of the lives that have been lost. Counselling and support services are available to everyone in our community. Please reach out for help if you need it. Beginning Monday morning, Marquis 104 will be open as a drop-in gathering space; and student support is available through the Student Affairs and Outreach office at 306-966-5757 and through the Student Wellness Centre at 306-966-5768. In Saskatoon, mobile crisis is available 24 hours a day, call 306-933-6200. In Humboldt, the Humboldt Uniplex is open for gathering and support. I will represent our university community at a vigil to be held in Humboldt tomorrow evening.
Like all communities across Saskatchewan and throughout the country, our community is in mourning. My heart goes out to the Broncos, their families and everyone who is grieving and coming to terms with this horrific accident.
Peter Stoicheff
President and Vice-chancellor
University of Saskatchewan