Armstrong, Pens host Humboldt survivors

The Pens and alumnus Colby Armstrong hosted two players from the Humboldt Broncos at Tuesday's Game 3 Second Round contest against Washington.
The two players - center Brayden Camrud, 19, and a teammate who preferred to remain private - survived a tragic accident when their Broncos team bus collided with a tractor-trailer, killing 16 players and staff from the team and injuring 13 others in early April.
Armstrong, a Saskatchewan native, invited the two players to Pittsburgh for a few days to escape and just enjoy some playoff hockey.

"I told the Penguins I was bringing these guys down and trying to get them some tickets," Armstrong said. "The red carpet got rolled out for the boys. I didn't expect anything less."
Camrud and his teammate were given custom-made Penguins jerseys featuring their last names and Humboldt playing number. They sat in a suite with Armstrong and several other Penguins alumni for the game and were given a gift package from the Pens.
"I think they really enjoyed themselves," Armstrong said. "All we do is talk hockey all day hanging out with these guys. It's great having them here and having some laughs. It's been a good visit so far."
Inspiration for the trip occurred last week during a benefit concert - Country Thunder - for the tragic incident. Famous Canadian country artists like Brett Kissel, Hunter Brothers, Gord Bamford and more played at the benefit at SaskTel Centre.
The night before the concert, Armstrong a number of people were meeting with the Humboldt families, billet families, survivors and grievers.
"It was sad and tough. I heard some amazing stories about all of these kids. I was laughing to crying at the same time," Armstrong said. "It was crazy."
"I was these kids. They just love hockey," Armstrong continued. "These guys are in the bubble of the incident and still dealing with it. There are lots of times to be sad, but I thought it would be nice to get them out of there and come watch a playoff game, just get out away."
The players stayed with Armstrong during their visit. The tandem arrived around midnight on Monday night and Armstrong had to show them something spectacular.
"I wanted to show them my favorite thing," Armstrong said. "I said, 'boys, before I take you to my house I want to show you the coolest thing ever.' I drove them from the airport straight through the tunnel and into downtown. At nighttime the city is all lit up and they're just loving it."
Camrud is a huge Pittsburgh sports fan and wears No. 26 in honor of his favorite player: Mario Lemieux (jersey numbers in junior can't exceed 30, hence he couldn't wear 66). And Camrud had a chance to meet his idol.
"He got to meet Mario at the game," Armstrong said. "But he didn't have the courage to tell him the reason he wears 26. He didn't even know how to talk to Mario (laughs). He was just amazed and loving it. I thought that was so cool."
Armstrong gave Camrud and his teammate a tour of the city on Wednesday. They will attend the Steelers practice facility on Thursday as guests of Steelers kicker Shaun Suisham, an Ontario native. That night they'll once again be the Pens' guests for Game 4.
Teams around the NHL have shown their support by raising money and putting sticks outside of entrance doorways in the team's honor and memory of those lost. A few teams, including the Penguins, have invited players to attend games.
Tweet from @penguins: We are honored to have you at Game 3, Brayden Camrud. #HumboldtStrong pic.twitter.com/LsC7Pel7g3