Local hockey player Cade Kowalski says the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League community continues to heal after tragedy struck Humboldt one year ago.

He says seeing the documentary efforts around the Humboldt Broncos have helped the league reflect and come to terms with the unimaginable loss. "Everyone is trying, not to forget, but to commemorate them."

Originally from Morden, Kowalski plays for Weyburn Red Wings. He notes the season was difficult, especially for the Broncos who returned to the ice after saying goodbye to their fallen teammates. "Playing them this year was a little different not seeing the usual faces, but it was nice seeing the guys out there who did come back and enjoyed the game again... good on them for staying strong and battling through."

Today marks the first anniversary of the Humboldt bus tragedy that claimed 16 lives. On April 7, the community is asked to wear green in honour of Humboldt Broncos defenceman Logan Boulet. Before he succumbed to his injuries, his parents, Bernadine and Toby Boulet offered to donate their son's organs so that six lives could live on. Boulet had told his parents he was registering as an organ donor and that he was inspired by his coach and mentor Ric Suggitt who passed on June 27, 2017, and was also an organ donor that saved six lives.

Hearing those stories of the community rallying behind the Broncos fills Kowalski with hope.

"It's never going to be healed completely, there's still more to do... but you also have to look back on the good that's been happening."

Learn more about Green Shift Day here: https://greenshirtday.ca/

"You can tell they're not done healing, but it's nice to see the hockey community helping them in as many ways as possible," Kowalski says.