Saskatoon broadcasting college creates scholarship in memory of Humboldt Broncos announcer
CBC News | Posted: May 4, 2018 5:29 PM | Last Updated: May 5, 2018
Tyler Bieber was among 16 killed in Broncos bus crash
A Saskatoon broadcasting college is creating a scholarship in memory of Tyler Bieber, a play-by-play announcer who was killed in the Humboldt Broncos bus crash on April 6.
The Western Academy Broadcasting College was scheduled to announce the details of the Tyler Bieber Memorial Scholarship at a news conference Friday morning.
Bieber was a play-by-play announcer for the Broncos junior hockey team and worked with Humboldt radio station 107.5 Bolt FM.
"He was one of those rare individuals who, by his own initiative, launched his own broadcast career without any broadcast training, but simply by sheer determination and natural raw talent," the college says on its website.
"Scholarships will be awarded yearly to applicants who best represent the qualities that have so clearly been demonstrated by Tyler Bieber," it says.
He and 15 others died after a crash between the Broncos' team bus and a semi-trailer on a highway north of Tisdale, Sask. Thirteen other people were injured.
The Broncos were on their way to Game 5 of a semifinal against the Nipawin Hawks, also in Saskatchewan, when the crash occurred around 5 p.m. CST.
Drive and determination
Don Scott, director of the Western Academy, said he met Bieber once before the Broncos announcer started his career in broadcasting.
"The next thing I knew, through his own initiative and raw talent and drive and determination, he's now in the business," said Scott.
"But he lived his dream of ... riding the bus, having camaraderie with the players, enjoying the whole concept of being behind a microphone."
Sportsnet broadcaster Daren Millard, who spent time working in radio in Melfort and Yorkton, Sask., said it is hard to describe the connection he feels to Tyler Bieber.
"The connection that I felt with the hockey players was extreme because of my time in Dauphin and the scary bus rides that we had there," said Millard.
"But the connection with Tyler, and knowing what he was doing and what he wanted to do and what he wanted to become, is extraordinary."
2nd memorial fund in Bieber's name
Steven Wilson, one of Bieber's co-workers at Bolt FM, said last month that it was Bieber's first season announcing for the team. He also covered morning news.
"He definitely had a natural talent," said Wilson. "He was just passionate about sports."
Bieber also coached the Humboldt high school's basketball and football teams.
The Nova Scotia Community College is also raising money for a memorial bursary in Bieber's name.
According to the Nova Scotia college, the bursary will be presented to a student in financial need with an interest in a career in sports broadcasting and a commitment to community service, particularly within the sports community.