A former Surrey Eagle has been confirmed as one of the 15 people who died in a horrific bus crash involving a junior hockey team in Saskatchewan Friday.
Jaxon Joseph died along with Humboldt Broncos captain Logan Schatz and head coach Darcy Haugan when the team鈥檚 bus collided with a semi-truck on the way to Game 5 of a semi-final playoff game against the Nipawin Hawks.
Stephen Wack, Conner Lukan, Logan Hunter and play-by-play announcer Tyler Bieber have also died.
We are learning more about the 14 people who have died in the bus crash:
鈥� Ashley Wadhwani (@ashwadhwani)
- Humboldt Broncos captain Logan Schatz, 20. He played on Broncos for four years.
- Head coach Darcy Haugan. Father of two children.
In a statement on Twitter Saturday morning, the Eagles said Joseph played for the team in the 2015-16 season.
Joseph, who鈥檚 former NHL goaltender Chris Joseph鈥檚 son, played centre for the Broncos.
Kelly Schatz, Logan鈥檚 father, says his 20-year-old son played for the Broncos for just over four years and had served as team captain for the past two-and-a-half years.
He says the family is seeking solace in one another.
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鈥淚t鈥檚 hard,鈥� Kelly Schatz said. 鈥淚鈥檝e got four other kids and they鈥檙e here, which is nice.鈥�
Haugan was a father of two who mentored many young players over the years as a coach, according to social media tributes.
My big little brother, Darcy. The tears just keep coming...
鈥� invisigirlonfire (@DebbieJayneC)
鈥淭he outpouring of love and support to those affected by our tragic loss is deeply humbling,鈥� said Haugan鈥檚 sister on Twitter, under the name of Debbie Jayne. 鈥淵our words mean everything right now. Through our tears, we thank you. #PrayersForHumboldt.鈥�
In an update Saturday morning, RCMP said 29 people were on the bus and 15 were sent to hospital. Three were in critical condition.
Darren Opp, president of the Hawks, said a semi T-boned the players鈥� bus.
Meanwhile, offers of help are pouring in for families of team members. More than $500,000 has been raised thus far.
With files from Ryan McKenna, The Canadian Press.
