The only other time SaskTel Centre has hosted a memorial service in its 30 year history was when Gordie Howe passed away.  Family, friends and supporters, about 3000 of them, attended Monday to pay tribute to Evan Thomas.  The 18 year old was in his rookie season with the Humboldt Broncos when his life ended in the tragic bus crash which has now claimed 16 lives.

The emotion was still raw on Monday, 10 days after the tragedy.  A number of Evan's teammates from the Broncos attended the service, including two boys who had to be escorted in wheelchairs by medical professionals.

A number of players from the Moose Jaw Generals, past and present, donned their team jerseys to pay tribute.  Thomas played two seasons for the local Sask Midget Triple "A" hockey club.

Also among those in attendance, former teammates of Evan's father, Scott, a Moose Jaw Warriors Hall of Famer.  Kevin Smyth, Derek Kletzel, Scott Reid, Devon Oleniuk and Scott Barnstable were there to support their friend and his family.

One of the most moving tributes came from Evan's grandmother, Marg Ellard of Moose Jaw.