Last Friday, two teachers and eight young people lost their lives in a school shooting in Santa Fe, Texas. I couldn’t help but think about the parents and the families there, and then that brought to mind those here at home.

Following the tragic bus crash that stole so many young lives and left holes in the hearts of families and friends of the Humboldt Broncos hockey team, we all made a promise that “once the cameras are gone and the hockey season comes to an end,” we will be there for you, thinking and praying and being a friend.

Too often following tragic events our focus quickly shifts, given our short attention spans and sound-bite-driven lives. But these families still need our support.

The Broncos, since the April 6 crash, have been adjusting to a new reality and recovering, both emotionally and physically.

Ryan Straschnitzki, paralyzed from the waist down, is in physiotherapy twice daily and is making remarkable progress. From learning how to move from his bed to his wheelchair to turning on his side, Ryan is working hard every day on his recovery. His stated interest in playing sledge hockey once recovered is still a goal. Ryan, we are cheering you on.

Kaleb Dahlgren survived a brain injury that fewer than one in ten ever survive. Incredibly, doctors have not found any lasting damage. Since the accident Kaleb has been back to Humboldt, has visited the Grade 5 students he volunteered with and is continuing his work as an ambassador for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Recently, he signed to play with the York University Lions hockey team this fall, depending on his recovery. Kaleb, we are cheering you on.

Jacob Wasserman was paralyzed from the waist down. A Humboldt native, Jacob was a nominee for the Canadian Junior Hockey League rookie of the year award. Jacob is currently doing his physiotherapy sessions as well and also hopes to play sledge hockey once he has recovered. Jacob, we are cheering you on.

Honourable senators, let’s continue to remember, support and cheer on these young men in their recoveries and be friends and allies to the Broncos’ community and families. Even though the cameras are gone and the hockey season has come to an end, I want to say to the families: We are still here, we are still praying for you and thinking of you, and we will continue to cheer you all on.

And one final thought: Brody Hinz, a gifted statistician for the Broncos, living as he did with Asperger’s, predicted the Vegas Golden Knights would make it to the Stanley Cup playoffs this year. Your prediction was right, Brody. Your gift for numbers will live on, and we’ll be cheering on the Vegas Golden Knights with all those Canadian players.