Man from Ontario calls support 'unreal' during 1,200-km journey for Broncos

As he gets closer to his destination of Humboldt, Sask., Rance Cardinal feels the support continue to build as a huge gathering cheers him during his arrival in Regina.

Regina hosts welcoming reception for Rance Cardinal as he sets sights on May 27 arrival in Humboldt

CBC News Posted: May 18, 2018 7:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: May 18, 2018

Rance Cardinal was welcomed to Regina on a stop during his 1,200-kilometre journey. The 24-year-old is walking from Ontario to deliver a Humboldt Strong sign to the community following the April 6 deadly bus crash involving the Broncos hockey team. (CBC News)

As he gets closer to his destination of Humboldt, Sask., Rance Cardinal feels the support continue to build, with a huge gathering cheeringhim during his arrival in Regina.

The city's MmawyatitnCentre hosted a reception for Cardinal. Several guests spokeabout the impact of the Broncos' hockey team bus crash on April 6 and Cardinal's walk in response to it. Guests and elders presented him with gifts, including an eagle feather and a Broncosblanket.

"I have a lot of emotions going through my mind," Cardinal said, when asked about the reception to his decision to walk nearly 1,200 kilometres from his home in Ontarioto Humboldt. "[It's] unreal."

'Going to gain my heart back': walker crosses Ontario, with a dream to play hockey in Humboldt

He said the gifts, particularly theeagle feather, left him speechless as he never expected to be given such an honour.

"This is a momentyou want to cherish for a lifetime."

Cardinal, right, receives a Broncos blanket at a welcoming reception at Regina's Mmawyatitn Centre on Thursday afternoon. (CBC News)

After hearing about the crash, the 24-year-old said he felt compelled to begin a walk from Sioux Lookout, Ont.,to Humboldtto deliver a sign reading"Humboldt Strong" to residents of the Saskatchewan community. The focus, he said, shouldn't beonhim, but about the people impacted by the crash that killed 16 peopleand injured 13 others.

"I'm doing this to show my support and give my strength to the Humboldt Broncosand the people of Humboldt, and everybody that's been affected."

Along his walk, he hasdealt with tendinitis and blisters, but said that a little bit of tape, ice cold bathsand "mind over matter" keephim going.

"It just takes all that pain away."

Cardinal said the gifts he received at a welcoming reception in Regina left him speechless. (CBC News)

The walk is already changing him. Before he began the journey, he said, he didn't have a job or money.

"I'm a father. I shouldn't be broke, waiting for a welfare cheque." He hopes to get "Rance Cardinal"back after completing his mission.

"I'm going to step up, step up in life."

Cardinal said he hasbeen averaging between 30 and40 kilometresa day. He hopes to arrive in Humboldt on May 27, with a welcoming committee expected to greet him in the city upon his arrival.

"This is a tough time, I know, and my heart goes out to all of you. Humboldt Strong," said Cardinal, lifting his arms up in a show of strength.

On April 11, Cardinal said he packed his bags with a few items of clothing, a sleeping bag, his hockey stick and the 'Humboldt Strong' sign, and started walking the Trans-Canada Highway from Sioux Lookout, Ont., to the Saskatchewan community. (Rance Cardinal)

CBC's Journalistic Standards and Practices|About CBC News

Corrections and clarifications|Submit a news tip|