Humboldt Broncos player Graysen Cameron returns to Olds for start of lacrosse season

It was an emotional start to the lacrosse season for members of the Olds Mavericks on Friday.

Prior to their Rocky Mountain Lacrosse League season opener against the Saskatchewan Swat, the team was joined by former Maverick Graysen Cameron, one of 13 people injured in the Humboldt Broncos bus crash that also killed 16 people earlier this month in Saskatchewan.

The 18-year-old was applauded as he walked onto the rink, joining his former teammates who were each wearing a jersey with "Cameron"across the back.

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"It was pretty special to honour me like that. It's just really humbling, all the guys and all the support," he said afterward.

Cameron called the homecoming bittersweet.

"It's nice being home around family and stuff, but it's definitely hard being away from the rest of the teammates back in Saskatchewan," he said.

The Swat won the game 13-10.

Kurtis Goller, captain of the Mavericks, played with Cameron for three years.

He says the team wanted him to know how much he means to them.

"It's been a little emotional, we're all really close with him, so it's been touch and go with that, but we're definitely all really ready to represent the Humboldt Broncos and Graysen," Goller said.

Mavericks assistant coach Gary Guadette said Cameron was a big part of the dressing room during his time in Olds.

"We all love the kid," he said. "He's such a leader, we miss him dearly, we wish he was here playing with us."

Cameron says he's not done with hockey and one day he'd like to return to the ice but this time, as a coach.

Olds artist Clint Jackson also unveiled an airbrush painting at the event. The facesof the 16 victims are painted on a set of angel wings.

Jackson is travellingto Humboldt this weekend to deliver the artwork, and said he couldn't stop thinking about the tragedy.

"I had a son in a severe accident last year and Ifelt hopelessness in my heart so I was honoured to do something to help the families heal," he said.

He said he was encouraged to make the piece by his friend Daryl Lowey, who served as a volunteer trainer for the Broncos some 30 years ago.

"I care about the town and wanted to do something for the entire community," he said. "Something that would be everlasting, something that would provide them with some closure and help a community heal."