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Kiszla: Why being friend to Humboldt Broncos is more vital to Jared Bednar than being NHL coach of the year

LAS VEGAS — A teenager sat in a wheelchair, his motionless legs a stark reminder of a tragedy that left the hockey world in tears. Sitting around a table with survivors of a bus accident in which 16 Humboldt Broncos died, the 18-year-old goalie wore No. 31, with the name “WASSERMAN” stitched across the back of a gold-and-green sweater.

Without a word, two strong hands came out of nowhere and were gently placed on Jacob Wasserman’s shoulders. When the young athlete turned to see who had stopped by for a visit, his face lit up with a smile of recognition for Avalanche coach Jared Bednar.