On the way to Nipawin, Saskatchewan for the ANAVET Cup, the Steinbach Pistons made a stop at the site of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash that tragically claimed the lives of 16 people and rocked the entire hockey world.

Pistons Forward Daniel McKitrick played 80 games for the Broncos over the span of two seasons. He says it was a powerful moment and he was glad to have his teammates by his side. 

"It's nice to have a little bit of closure too, after seeing old teammates and how nice it is with that over there [the memorial at the crash site]. It's really good all the boys were there."

The outpouring of support is still something McKitrick can barely put into words. "For everybody in Humboldt, my billets and everyone, they've said the support has been awesome. My buddy Brayden Camrud was honored at the Penguins game last night. The outpouring of support has been just awesome."

Steinbach Pistons' Bradley Schoonbaert and Declan Graham also commented on seeing the site in person and not just on television or in photos.

"Coming in and seeing the Humbolt crash site was, it was really something," Schoonbaert said after arriving in Nipawin. "It was nice to see it and it was definitely a tough stop."

Graham echoed Schoonbaerts thoughts. "I think hockey is one big family and you feel connected to individuals, to those in the Humboldt crash. Even if you weren't personally connected, you feel for everyone involved. It was heartbreaking to see but touching at the same time, to see the memorial that was set up by people."