Erik Gardiner says life is starting to return to normal following the Humboldt Broncos bus crash a year ago April 6th.
The former Kelowna Rockets forward was born in Humboldt and saw many close friends and teammates die on that fateful day.
"I think I will deal with it for the rest of my life. It is a tragic event for those families to go through. It is tragic for everyone living in the community (Humboldt). It probably hit me harder because I played with them not to long ago."
Gardiner played 25 games with the Broncos during the 2016-2017 season and has tattoos on of the names of Jacob Leicht and Logan Schatz who died in the crash.
"I live my life differently. I think twice about what young kids make with their lives. I just try to live like every day is my last".
Gardiner says he has tried to move on, something his friends would want him to do.
Gardiner has retired from competitive hockey, but has four years of tuition and books if he wishes to use his WHL scholarship.