Humboldt Broncos player Stephen Wack, who was born and raised in St. Albert, was remembered in court Monday as an incredible young man.
The Wack family chose to keep much of the impact the loss of their son has had on their family private, and spent their time Monday speaking about how wonderful their late son was. It was a fitting tribute to a man remembered for his positivity and love of life.
Alan Wack, a St. Albert resident, read a statement on behalf of the Wack family recalling the exceptional man Stephen was.
He described his son as someone who was “naturally good at everything he tried.”
“Through all the ups and down of playing high-level hockey, Stephen matured into an amazing young man.”
Stephen was remembered as an “incredible big brother” to his younger brother Justin.
Justin was born blind but Alan said “it didn’t slow those two down.”
Justin’s first laugh came from Stephen jumping on the bed, and when Stephen was three years old he told his parents he wanted to give Justin his eyes so he could see.
“To say their brotherly bond was beautiful would be an understatement,” Alan said.
“I think it is obvious to say that the remaining three members of our family would give anything to have Stephen back with us.”
Along with being an exceptional athlete and great student, Stephen was known for his videography skills. Alan shared some of Stephen’s own words with the court through his college applications.
“I have been pursuing my passion for videography while running around various cities and places with a camera,” Stephen’s application read.
Stephen described himself simply as “someone who loves life, loves the people close to me ... and enjoys working hard in all aspects of my life.”
The late Broncos player said he led a life of positivity.
“You can usually find me with a smile on my face,” Stephen said in the applications.
His parents shared a picture of their son with the court, a selfie with the caption “I love my life.”
The Wacks joined many families who presented victim impact statements in a makeshift courtroom in a Melfort, Sask., gymnasium Monday during the sentencing of semi-truck driver Jaskirat Singh Sidhu.
Stephen was one of four St. Albert Raiders alumni who died in the crash. Jaxon Joseph, Conner Lukan and Logan Hunter also died.
Alan remembered the day his son Stephen was born: a cold day on January 25 in St. Albert, and told the court about his son's attraction to hockey at a young age.
After Stephen's death, the family heard from many of his friends about what an amazing man he was and how many lives he touched.
“We will forever be proud of what an amazing person Stephen was,” Alan said.
“Stephen Alan Wack made our world a better place. He will forever be thought of each and every day by his many friends and family. We love you, Stephen.”
