SaskatchewanThe Humboldt Broncos rolled up their sleeves in Saskatoon for their annual blood donation drive. Their tradition began after the tragic 2018 bus crash that claimed 16 lives and injured 13 others. Hockey players rolled up their sleeves for national challenge encouraging group blood donationsAishah Ashraf · CBC News · Posted: Nov 07, 2025 12:32 PM EST | Last Updated: 5 hours agoListen to this articleEstimated 3 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated by text-to-speech, a technology based on artificial intelligence.About 20 players, coaches and staff of the Humboldt Broncos rolled up their sleeves to donate blood as a group this week in Saskatoon. (Albert Couillard/CBC)The Humboldt Broncos hockey team took time away from the ice on Thursday to donate blood at Canadian Blood Services in Saskatoon.About 20 players, coaches and staff rolled up their sleeves for an annual tradition that started after the team’s tragic bus crash in 2018, which claimed 16 lives and injured 13 others. Blood donations at the time helped save several players’ lives. Ever since, the group has made a point of giving back.“It’s part of our culture, it’s part of our tradition now,” said head coach Brayden Klimosko.“What happened in 2018, it’s something that will be part of our history forever. And for us to give back once a year, I don’t think that’s asking too much of our players. It’s just part of what we do here now.”Humboldt Broncos coach Brayden Klimosko says this is a tradition he hopes his players will continue outside of the team. (Albert Couillard/CBC)The visit was connected with the Fall Get Together Challenge, a national initiative encouraging people to donate blood or plasma in groups with coworkers, classmates or teammates.Canadian Blood Services is trying to boost donations across the province.About 5,000 appointments need to be filled each month in Saskatchewan to meet hospital and patient needs. Most donations are used within five days, and because blood only lasts 42 days before it expires, a steady stream of donors is essential. Nationally, group donations make up roughly one-third of all blood collected. Yet while one in two Canadians is eligible to donate, only about two per cent actually do it. The challenge aims to close that gap by turning donations into a shared, community-driven experience.Aaron Barlow with Canadian Blood Services says a single donation can help as many as three patients. (Aishah Ashraf/CBC)“We’ve found that the experience of donating as a group really helps build that teamwork, that connectivity,” said Canadian Blood Services spokesman Aaron Barlow.“[It’s] a really, really good way to know that you’re doing something in our community that benefits the health of patients across Canada.”For the Broncos, the event has become a mix of reflection and camaraderie. “It means a lot to us. I think all the guys have a lot of fun with it. We challenge each other, race each other to see who can donate blood the fastest. They make it fun,” said forward Brayden Skogstad.Humboldt Broncos player Brayden Skogstad says donating blood together helps strengthen team chemistry. (Albert Couillard/CBC)“I think it’s great any time we can get together,” he added. “It just brings us closer as a team and helps us get better together on the ice as well.”That sense of connection has now become the heart of this tradition. It’s no longer just about what happened in 2018. It’s about showing up, year after year, for the people who once showed up for them. ABOUT THE AUTHORAishah Ashraf is a reporter with CBC Saskatchewan, based in Prince Albert. You can send story ideas and tips to aishah.ashraf@cbc.ca.
‘Its part of our culture’: Humboldt Broncos keep annual blood donation tradition alive
