Humbolt Broncos survivor Tyler Smith tells his story at the Gold Horse Casino on Jan. 13. Jeannette Benoit-Leipert Meridian Source
Two well-known mental health advocates joined forces in Lloyd over the weekend, powerfully offering their stories and perspectives.
The Lloydminster Region Health Foundation (LRHF) presented Tyler Smith and Dr. Jody Carrington at the Gold Horse Casino.
Humbolt Broncos survivor, mental health advocate, and the most recent winner of The Amazing Race Canada, Smith said he didn’t think he would ever be doing what he is doing now.
“I truly never anticipated sharing my story. I truly never anticipated doing anything in the mental health world, honestly,” said Smith, who is now 25.
His life was changed forever, on April 6, 2018. That was the day the Humbolt Broncos hockey team was heading to a playoff game when their bus was hit by a semi-truck. Smith lost 16 close friends and teammates that day and was one of only 12 who survived the horrific accident.
He doesn’t have any memory of the day it happened, which he considers a blessing in disguise.
Following his physical recovery, he returned to the ice for 10 games. But something didn’t feel right, so he decided to prioritize his mental health.
“One of the big things that really led me to be like, alright I should probably take care of myself—is seeing the big names come out. Talking about their anxiety, their depression. There’s so much power in a story and there’s so much power in your story,” said Smith.
He emphasized that he wasn’t there to compare his story to anyone else’s, he just wanted the audience to find some common ground.
“I want you to find something that clicks with you, something that you can take home,” said Smith.
“You never know when someone needs to hear something, you never know when somebody needs to see something and you never know when someone needs to experience something.”
Event attendee Amy Campbell said she really enjoyed both presentations, but Smith’s story really moved her.
“I really enjoyed how well he connected with the crowd. Everybody was so engaged with him that it was kind of unreal. He pretty much told everybody, you have a story to share, just don’t be afraid to talk about it. He spoke directly to my soul.” said Campbell.
“If you have a chance to go see them—just go do it. Honestly, it will change your perspective on a few things.”
The event had a healthy amount of support, as LRHF CEO, Stephanie Munro, explained in her introduction.
“I’d like to thank Cenovus Energy for partnering with us to put on this event tonight, as well as the Gold Horse Casino, all of our amazing volunteers, and our staff at the Lloydminster and Region Health Foundation. We are very small in numbers, but we’re mighty in heart,” said Munro.
“Thank you all for braving the cold this evening. It’s cold outside, but you’ll leave with very warm hearts tonight.”
