Swift Current Broncos remember 1986 team on 38th anniversary of bus crash

On Dec. 30, 1986, the Swift Current Broncos hockey team were on their way to Regina when their bus crashed, killing four players.

To mark the 38th year of the incident, the Broncos will host the Brandon Wheat Kings in Swift Current, with a portion of the game dedicated to the memory of the four players.

Every year since the fatal crash, the city and hockey club have held memorials.

“It’s a day to reflect, to remember. To have those ‘where were you when’ conversations, which help with the healing,” said Ryan Switzer, the acting deputy mayor of Swift Current.

Over the years, the Broncos adopted a four-leaf clover design on their jerseys in honour of Trent Kresse, Scott Kruger, Chris Mantyka and Brett Ruff.

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The Western Hockey League also named their MVP award the Four Broncos Memorial Trophy after the players.

In 2016, on the 30th anniversary of the crash, a four-leaf clover made of granite was unveiled east of Swift Current.

“They’re still in our thoughts, our memories. We got a four-leaf clover patch on our jerseys for 38 years. It’ll be 38 more, or 50 more. They’re still with us,” said Trent McCleary, the board chairman of the Swift Current Broncos.

Because the incident coincides with the holiday season, Switzer hopes people use the time to be with family and those who mean the most.

“I encourage people to do that as today reminds us things can all of a sudden change in an instant,” he said.