Jaskirat Singh Sidhu, the Alberta based truck driver who pled guilty to all 29 counts, 16 counts of dangerous driving causing death and 13 counts of dangerous driving causing bodily harm, will be sentenced, today, March 22nd in Melfort. While many believe that the sentencing will bring closure to an unthinkable tragedy, those closest to the aftermath know that fitting the punishment to the crime won't be easy.
 
As the Humboldt Bronco's headed to Nipawin for the second round of playoffs nearly one year ago, a Super B semi at full weight proceeded directly through the intersection of Highways 35 and 335. As the truck headed west, Sidhu passed multiple signs indicating the junction, including the flashing stop sign at the intersection, before proceeding into the path of the bus. The collision resulted in sixteen deaths and thirteen injuries. 
 
The crash sent many communities into turmoil as local responders arrived on the scene and as the news spread. The first texts and tweets came shortly after the crash; some recall the first news being as simple as "game delayed". As the scope of the tragedy was revealed throughout the night, media reports confirmed the worst. News spread and Humboldt and its surrounding communities, those nearest the crash site, and progressively the province and the country were plunged into despair.
 
The remarkable resilience and leadership shown by Humboldt throughout the hockey organization, civic hall, ministerial community, and the public is well documented. Throughout the grieving and rebuilding processes, there was also the legal process. The driver admitted culpability which spared families and supporters the unwelcome prospect of a lengthy trial. 
 
At the sentencing hearing over 90 victim impact statements were presented, all compelling and heart-wrenching. Some, like those of Celeste Leicht, were a call to action. She implored the government to begin a response that would lead to significant change in the transport industry, "I would like to give a message of hope and a message of change. I hope all the ministers of transportation are listening and I hope you're talking. I'm not looking to lay blame, there certainly should be someone standing up there with Mr. Sidhu."
 
Other statements, like those of Assistant Coach Chris Beaudry, who arrived on the scene only minutes after impact, still registered the shock and disbelief of that day, "I spent every day with my boys and when they needed me most I couldn't tell who was who. As I continued viewing each body it was shock upon shock upon shock." Yet while the sense of disbelief still resonated, Beaudry invoked a spirit of forgiveness stating,  "I have to tell you Mr. Sidhu that I forgive you. Don't let your life be wasted. Do as much good as you can."
 
For many, the struggle simply continues with a simple, heartfelt wish to assume a life with some measure of tranquillity. In his statement, Lyle Brons, father of therapist Dana Brons who was lost in the crash, offered, "I don't know if I've completely forgiven Mr. Sidhu yet. I'm sure one day I will. I can only hope everyone affected by this tragedy can one day find peace and happiness in their lives."
 
Crown Prosecutor in the case Thomas Healy has called for a sentence of ten years in prison based on the scope of the personal impact and the need to send a message. A sentence of ten years would eclipse by far any precedents according to Mark Brayford, Sidhu's defence attorney. Brayford has not called for a specific sentence, but merely cites a maximum sentence of four and a half years in similar cases.
 
Judge Inez Cardinal will deliver the sentence in Melfort at the Kerry Vicker Centre which has served as the court location throughout the process.
 
It remains to be seen to what degree any closure will be achieved by the sentencing. Barring unforeseen conclusions, it will draw to a close the legal component of this regrettable tragedy.