In what is sure to be one of the most emotional games of the season, the Humboldt Broncos and Nipawin Hawks will drop the puck on the 2018-19 SJHL campaign. It will be the first game for the Broncos organization since the horrible tragedy back on April 6.

Elgar Petersen Arena was the site of grieving for weeks, but tonight it will once again be the venue for Humboldt Broncos hockey. It's another step in the healing process for the City of Humboldt as well as the entire hockey community. 

Two surviving members of the crash will be in the Broncos lineup tonight. Derek Patter and Brayden Camrud will no doubt be playing in the biggest and most emotional games of their young lives. 

Broncos president Jamie Brockman spoke with the media earlier today about what this game means for the community. 

"To be back at the rink for hockey is exciting. Training camp, I got goosebumps. Finally, hockey is back in Humboldt," Brockman said. "I think at times it helps heal and helps progress. It helps to keep us focused moving forward." 

These same two teams were scheduled to meet that fateful night in game five of their league semi-final series. It's only fitting the Hawks and Broncos are the two teams to kick off the brand new season, one that will surely be remembered as the season honouring all 16 lives taken on that day, as well as the 13 others injured.

The game is completely sold out and only certified media will be allowed at the game. However, the game will be aired nationally on TSN tonight. There will also be an hour-long pre-game show beginning at 5:30 p.m. Puck drop is scheduled for 6:30.