Saint Ignatius College Prep's varsity hockey team took to the ice Thursday, marking the first game since members of the Chicago school's junior varsity team were injured in a bus crash.
The JV hockey team was on its way back to a hotel this past Saturday following a tournament at Culver Academies in northern Indiana when an alleged drunk semi driver slammed into the bus while it was turning, according to police.
Before Thursday night's matchup began, both teams - Saint Ignatius and Mount Carmel High School - participated in a prayer circle at center ice in honor of the injured athletes.
"Even though you're competing against each other, at the end of the day, it's all about the kids," said Erik Eastman, assistant athletic director at Saint Ignatius.
Coach Spencer Montgomery explained the teams will do whatever they can to help the injured players get back to full health.
"It was an unfortunate incident, but there is a lot to be grateful for," he stated.
Following the crash, the school has received support from all across the hockey community - from youth levels all the way to the Chicago Blackhawks.
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"Everyone has been keeping us in their thoughts and has been here for us," Montgomery said. "So it's much appreciated."
The junior varsity team will also be recognized on Saturday at the first varsity home game since the crash occurred. Some junior varsity players will even be in attendance, coaches said.
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"This, being a team and getting back to a sport, that's the best part about this," Eastman said. "The best part about athletics."
