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Two former Thunder players involved in Humboldt Broncos bus crash that left 14 dead, 15 injured

Apr 7, 2018 | 9:13 AM

Two former Drayton Valley Thunder players are confirmed as being involved in the collision between a semi-truck and a bus carrying a junior hockey team to a playoff game in northeast Saskatchewan.

RCMP say 14 people were killed and 15 were injured on the Humboldt Broncos bus when the crash occurred at around 5 p.m. on Highway 35 near Tisdale.

One of the players involved, Parker Tobin, played goalie for the Thunder during the 2016-17 season before being traded and playing for the Humboldt Broncos this season.

Tobin’s mother sent out a message via Twitter last night confirming her son was involved in the crash saying, “This is one of the hardest posts I have ever had to make. Parker is stable at the moment and being airlifted to Saskatoon hospital. Thank you all for your kind words and messages. Please continue to pray for his Humboldt family.”

The other former Thunder player has been confirmed as Tyler Smith, who played forward for the team in the 2016-17 season before being traded away and eventually landing at the Broncos as well.

His mother, Leigh-Ann Smith, also took to Twitter following the crash, saying to her son, “We are so blessed to still have you, because with out you life would not be the same. Also with remorse and sadness at the same time. We grieve for your hockey family and the ones that have passed on a the trip we know so well.”

The Drayton Valley Thunder took to Twitter to express the organizations solicitude to the former team members saying, “Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your teammates and families. #PrayersForHumboldt.”

The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League is a Junior ‘A’ hockey league and is part of the Canadian Junior Hockey League. The league is open to players between the ages of 16 and 20.