The following is a statement on behalf of Hockey Canada from chief executive officer Tom Renney, and president and chief operating officer Scott Smith:

“We are shocked and saddened over the tragic news of the accident involving the Humboldt Broncos Junior A hockey club. We are devastated to learn of the fatalities and the serious injuries.

We extend our deepest sympathies to the Broncos organization, the families, the friends, the fans and entire Humboldt community.

Our hockey community is a tight-knit family. We will come together in support of each other in the days ahead, as we mourn those lives lost, remember the injured and support those whose lives are forever changed by this tragedy.”