With the recent tragedy in Bathurst, New Brunswick, that claimed the precious lives of seven students and one teacher, it really puts life into perspective! With this accident more than ever, a lot of people seem to be debating this recent accident.

I am certainly not in the position to down play what happened on the day in question, when the van the basketball players were riding in, crashed into a transport truck that would claim their lives. Like many others, I have my own thoughts on this sad, sad tragedy. As a former junior hockey player of three seasons that saw many many bus trips, as well as numerous minor sporting trips, I can thankfully say I've never been close to a personal experience such as the one in Bathurst.

It is my firm belief that drivers of any vehicles that carry passengers in numbers need to carefully and cautiously address every situation as it arises. If it means that the minor sports or school team has to stay that extra few hours or the extra night in the hotel, so be it. This accident and ones like them can be debated for years. However the true reality of this accident, as well as others, is that sadly accidents like this do happen and will likely happen again. The chances however, will diminish greatly if more thought and a process is put in place and followed when dealing with school and team trips of this kind. Sadly the most recent incident happened only moments from the team’s final destination of travel.

Similarly, an accident that many hockey fans will sadly remember happened in the Western Hockey League many years ago. The year was 1986, and the day was December 30th. It will never be forgotten for the Swift Current Broncos of the Western Hockey League. The single vehicle crash that included only the bus claimed the lives of four young hockey players. The bus driver on that occasion lost control of the bus as it overturned and skidded off the road onto its side. The aftermath will not soon be forgotten, nor should it be. As a league, the WHL has since named a trophy to remember the boys who lost their lives in this tragedy. Fittingly it’s dubbed the Four Broncos trophy and given to the WHL player of the year.

The scene of young players boarding buses or vans to play in the WHL as well as numerous other sports teams, continues to happen on a regular basis.

As a very proud parent of two young children, a message for all parents out there take note of just how precious life can be and cherish your loved ones as you just never know what life brings you!