Over the spring of 2018, only a matter of days after that horrific Humboldt Broncos bus accident took 16 lives and rocked the world of hockey to its foundation, Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid took a subtle yet impactful visit to Saskatchewan. His aim wasn't about media or press — it was about healing.
Ryan O'Reilly on Connor McDavid's attempt to bring solace to victims of tragedy
Following the Humboldt Broncos tragedy, NHL superstar Connor McDavid made a profound but low-key visit to Saskatchewan to offer support to the grieving community. Along with Buffalo Sabres forward Ryan O'Reilly and veteran junior hockey executive Sherry Bassin, Connor McDavid arrived in the tearful prairie town to provide whatever solace he could to the mourning community. The accident killed 14 players and injured 15 others.
They didn't warn the media. They didn't organize press conferences. It was a trip conceived out of pity — one that would leave a memory not just on the citizens of Humboldt but on McDavid himself. The group — united by their mutual history with the Erie Otters of the OHL — made the rounds to four schools in the area, greeting students, families, and members of the Broncos team. They concluded the night in Saskatoon, weathering a snowstorm to see surviving players at the hospital.
“It’s a heavy day. Being at the hospital to see some of the guys was very special,” Ryan O'Reilly explained. “Going to the one school (in Humboldt), when Connor walked in, one of the kids there had an Oilers shirt on and he just broke down crying. He was just so shocked to see him. It was pretty special to be part of that and witness that; how coming here made such an impact.”
For McDavid, it was deeply emotional. “We’re not doing this for media or for anything other than what we’ve said: To try and put some smiles on some faces that maybe haven’t been able to do that in a while, and visit a community that’s obviously hurting, try and help them any way we can,” said McDavid.
Even while cameras started popping up and word got around about their visit, McDavid was uncomfortable with the scrutiny. When interviewed by the press following the Oilers' 4-3 victory over the Blues that week, he emphasized the visit was not about publicity.
Only 21 at that time, McDavid was not much older than some of the young men who had been on that Broncos bus. His viewpoint was uncomplicated, earthy, and deeply human. “There’s so many text messages, so many times people can say ‘stay strong’ or ‘get well soon’. You want to take their mind off it and talk about something other than that. Just talking, like a couple of teenagers would,” said McDavid.
Sherry Bassin, who initiated the idea for the trip, realized how crucial it was that the hockey world turn out — not with rhetoric, but with presence. “These kids were living a dream,” Bassin said. “Dayna (Brons, the team trainer who died in the crash) was living a dream. Think about this. The bus driver was living a dream. This is just like broadcasters living a dream, or a cardiologist lives a dream, or an orthopedic surgeon, or a farmer. These guys were all living a dream. And in a nano-second, such destruction. We want them to know we’re thinking about them.”
A humble visit, a strong legacy
Although they left no fanfare behind them, the visit left an impact. It was not just a gesture — it was a reminder that, even in the top reaches of sport, humanity always precedes.
Also read: Connor McDavid’s playoff clock is ticking — Are the Oilers ready without him?
McDavid's humility was just as evident as his compassion. It was a day that had stuck with him just as much as anyone, one that provided no answers — but connection. Despite unimaginable loss, McDavid, O'Reilly, and Bassin provided what they could: time, presence, and heart.
Ryan O'Reilly on Connor McDavid's attempt to bring solace to victims of tragedy
Following the Humboldt Broncos tragedy, NHL superstar Connor McDavid made a profound but low-key visit to Saskatchewan to offer support to the grieving community. Along with Buffalo Sabres forward Ryan O'Reilly and veteran junior hockey executive Sherry Bassin, Connor McDavid arrived in the tearful prairie town to provide whatever solace he could to the mourning community. The accident killed 14 players and injured 15 others.
They didn't warn the media. They didn't organize press conferences. It was a trip conceived out of pity — one that would leave a memory not just on the citizens of Humboldt but on McDavid himself. The group — united by their mutual history with the Erie Otters of the OHL — made the rounds to four schools in the area, greeting students, families, and members of the Broncos team. They concluded the night in Saskatoon, weathering a snowstorm to see surviving players at the hospital.
“It’s a heavy day. Being at the hospital to see some of the guys was very special,” Ryan O'Reilly explained. “Going to the one school (in Humboldt), when Connor walked in, one of the kids there had an Oilers shirt on and he just broke down crying. He was just so shocked to see him. It was pretty special to be part of that and witness that; how coming here made such an impact.”
For McDavid, it was deeply emotional. “We’re not doing this for media or for anything other than what we’ve said: To try and put some smiles on some faces that maybe haven’t been able to do that in a while, and visit a community that’s obviously hurting, try and help them any way we can,” said McDavid.
Even while cameras started popping up and word got around about their visit, McDavid was uncomfortable with the scrutiny. When interviewed by the press following the Oilers' 4-3 victory over the Blues that week, he emphasized the visit was not about publicity.
Only 21 at that time, McDavid was not much older than some of the young men who had been on that Broncos bus. His viewpoint was uncomplicated, earthy, and deeply human. “There’s so many text messages, so many times people can say ‘stay strong’ or ‘get well soon’. You want to take their mind off it and talk about something other than that. Just talking, like a couple of teenagers would,” said McDavid.
Sherry Bassin, who initiated the idea for the trip, realized how crucial it was that the hockey world turn out — not with rhetoric, but with presence. “These kids were living a dream,” Bassin said. “Dayna (Brons, the team trainer who died in the crash) was living a dream. Think about this. The bus driver was living a dream. This is just like broadcasters living a dream, or a cardiologist lives a dream, or an orthopedic surgeon, or a farmer. These guys were all living a dream. And in a nano-second, such destruction. We want them to know we’re thinking about them.”
A humble visit, a strong legacy
Although they left no fanfare behind them, the visit left an impact. It was not just a gesture — it was a reminder that, even in the top reaches of sport, humanity always precedes.
Also read: Connor McDavid’s playoff clock is ticking — Are the Oilers ready without him?
McDavid's humility was just as evident as his compassion. It was a day that had stuck with him just as much as anyone, one that provided no answers — but connection. Despite unimaginable loss, McDavid, O'Reilly, and Bassin provided what they could: time, presence, and heart.
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