'It's unthinkable': Former Humboldt Bronco shares town's pain after bus tragedy

When news about his former team from Saskatchewan began to appear on Matt Kenney's phone, he hopedit would wind up being a simple news story about a minor collision.

That's because Kenney a 21-year-old hockey player from London, Ont.has a special connection to Humboldt, Sask. He played one unforgettable season with the Broncos,the town's Junior A team, back in 2014-15.

The news began to come in during a break between his university classes.

"That's when I saw some tweets, and I wasn't really sure what to think at the time," he told CBC News. "At first I thought maybe it could be a minor accident, bumps and bruises but over time .. you're seeing this tragedy unfold the way it has and it's just sad."

By early Saturday Kenney would learn with the rest of the world that 15 people connected with the team had died in a horrific bus crash just north of Tisdale, Sask. The team Kenneywas on its way to a SJHL playoff game in Nipawinwhen it collided with a transport truck. It's not yet clear what led to the crash.

"Having played in Humboldt and been on the road trips these guys are going on and taking the exact same bus ride, it hits home pretty hard," said Kenney. "It's just unthinkable. You get on a bus and you don't think of these types of things happening. For me, it was heartbreaking."

These days Kenneyplays university hockey as a member of theGuelph Gryphons.

But he will never forget his time spent in Humboldt, a town of about 6,000 people who Kenneysays were a joy to play for.

"It's probably one of the best experiences with junior hockey that I've ever had," he said. "You have hundreds of people at every game, people are wearing yourjerseys. They'retruly invested in the team and in hockey with all their heart and emotions. For this to happen, I know it's affected the community deeply."

Hundreds of people gathered in Humboldt Sunday night to mourn those killed. The tragedy has also triggered a national outpouring of grief. People across Canada and around the world are placing hockey sticks outside their doors to show support for Humboldt.

• 'We will get through this': Hundreds honour Humboldt Broncos at vigil on home ice

And though it's been three years since Kenney strapped on the blades as a Bronco, he's stayed in contact with people there and learned over the weekend how they've been affected.

'Billetslike your second family'

There's Rene and Devin Cannon, the couple who billeted him. Three players they billeted on this year's team were on the bus.

Billeting, like long bus rides to road games, is a time-honoured hockey tradition. And like those long rides, it can build lifelong bonds.

"To me, billets are like your second family," said Kenney. "It's truly something special. I appreciate everything they did for me and I'm with them at this difficult time."

Kenneyis also thinking this week aboutLoganSchatz.

During Kenney's time in Humboldt, Schatz was a rookie. He and Kenney played video games, went to the movies and traded jokes. Kenny wasn't surprised to learn that in recent years,Schatzhad grown into a team leader for the Broncos, eventually becoming captain. He was among those who didn't survive Friday's crash.

Humboldt is a very strong community. They really pull for one another when they have to.-MattKenney

"He was cheerful," Kenneyrecalls. "Always brought a smile to your face. He sat across the dressing room from me. He was an excellent friend and I'm going to miss him very much."

Kenneyis weighing whether to travel out to Saskatchewan to join Humboldt in its grief. Whether he makes the trip or not, Kenneyis confident the town he loved playing for will eventually be able to rebound because they're as tough as they are welcoming.

"Humboldt is a very strong community," said Kenney."They really pull for one another when they have to."