Humboldt Broncos Families Protest Netflix’s Hockey Tragedy Series

Families of the Humboldt Broncos are protesting Netflix’s upcoming hockey tragedy series. This comes in light of the devastating bus crash that took the lives of 16 team members in April 2018.

Tragic Incident Overview

The bus crash occurred when a truck, driven by Jaskirat Singh Sidhu, ran a stop sign, colliding with the junior hockey team’s bus near Tisdale, Saskatchewan. Thirteen other individuals were injured in the accident. Following the incident, Sidhu received an eight-year prison sentence for dangerous driving and has since been ordered to deport back to India.

Netflix Series Details

Netflix is producing an eight-part series set in the fictional town of South Dorothy, Minnesota. The show centers on a high school hockey team and a tragic bus crash that results in the deaths of players and their coach. The coach’s widow is then tasked with leading the new team. Despite claims from Netflix that the series is fictional, many families affected by the Humboldt disaster feel it closely parallels their experience.

Families Speak Out

Michelle Straschnitzki, mother of Ryan Straschnitzki, who was paralyzed in the crash, expressed outrage. She stated that Netflix’s portrayal seems to sensationalize their tragedy. “They are making it their story, which is garbage,” she remarked.

Tom Straschnitzki, Ryan’s father, criticized the production for not reaching out to the families. He believes Netflix is exploiting their grief for profit. He does not plan to watch the series, stating, “I kind of relive it every day.” Tyler Cameron, who saw his son Graysen suffer serious injuries in the crash, also voiced concerns. He described the project as hurtful and suggested it would have been more appropriate for Netflix to consult the families beforehand.

Production Team and Release Information

The series features actress Michelle Monaghan among the cast and is produced by Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps, known for successful productions like “Stranger Things” and “The Adam Project.” As of now, Netflix has not announced a release date or title for the series.

Public Response

The Humboldt Broncos families are rallying to have their voices heard. They are calling for more respectful handling of their devastating story, urging producers to consider the impact on those who lived through the tragedy.