By Laine Mitchell (Twitter: @Laine_Mitchell)

‘He was an inspiration to the team:’ Thunder mourn loss of former goalie killed in Broncos bus crash

Apr 9, 2018 | 1:31 PM

A former Drayton Valley Thunder player killed in the Humboldt Broncos tragedy is being remembered by the organization as a passionate player and an inspiration to the entire team. 

A goalie for the team during the 2016/17 season before landing at the Broncos this season, 18-year-old Parker Tobin was killed in the crash that took the lives of 15 people and injured 14 others late Friday afternoon near Tisdale, Saskatchewan.

Thunder Executive Cindy Waronek says the team learned of Tobin’s passing this morning after spending the weekend believing he was recovering in hospital due to a misidentification issue. 

“He was part of our Thunder family, he was a fine young man who loved hockey, he played with passion and was a team player and a stand up guy,” said Waronek. “He was an inspiration to the team, just a great guy all around. He is going to be missed from the Thunder organization.”

The Stony Plain native played 33 games in the 2016-17 season with a 4.47 goals against average. In his final year with the Thunder, Tobin was awarded best playoff performer.

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Waronek adds that the effect of the tragedy has been felt throughout the team, with many players having been friends with or played with those killed or injured in the collision.

“Hockey is a very small world. Many of our players either played with or against or did training camps with many of the members on the team. I know personally from the players I’m in contact with, they are taking this very hard,” said Waronek. 

A vigil will be held Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m. at the Drayton Valley Omniplex in memory of Parker Tobin and in support of his family and the Humboldt Broncos.