Broncos Families Outraged by Netflix’s Hockey Tragedy Series

The announcement of a new Netflix series features a small-town hockey team coping with the aftermath of a devastating bus crash. While the plot may resonate with Canadians, Netflix emphasizes that the story is fictional and not based on real events, specifically distancing it from the tragic Humboldt Broncos accident.

Tragic Context and Public Outcry

In April 2018, a horrific accident occurred near Tisdale, Saskatchewan, when a truck collided with the Humboldt Broncos’ bus. This disaster claimed the lives of 16 individuals and left 13 others injured. The truck driver, Jaskirat Singh Sidhu, subsequently received an eight-year prison sentence for dangerous driving. He was later ordered to be deported back to India.

The upcoming eight-part series is set in the fictional town of South Dorothy, Minnesota. The storyline involves a high school hockey team that has consistently achieved state championship success. The narrative centers on a tragic bus crash that kills several players and their coach, focusing on the coach’s widow who steps in to lead a new team of struggling young athletes.

Concerns from Humboldt Families

Many families affected by the Humboldt tragedy expressed their outrage over the series. Michelle Straschnitzki, whose son Ryan suffered severe injuries in the crash, criticized the show for what she deemed a portrayal that sensationalizes real tragedy. She contested Netflix’s assertion that the story is entirely fictional, stating that it feels like an exploitation of their grief.

Tom Straschnitzki, Ryan’s father, argued that Netflix should have consulted the families before proceeding with the project. He expressed frustration at the company’s approach, suggesting it looked more like a commercial endeavor rather than a respectful narrative.

• Michelle Straschnitzki: “They’re just out to make some money and make it their story.”
• Tom Straschnitzki: “They’re taking advantage of our grief.”

Reactions from Survivors

Tyler Cameron, whose son Graysen suffered a broken back from the crash, conveyed similar sentiments. He found the series announcement hurtful and triggering, suggesting that if the intention was to tell an authentic story, the families should have been consulted first.

Production Details

Despite the backlash, Netflix confirms the production, which stars actress Michelle Monaghan, comes from Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps Entertainment. The company is known for successful projects like “Stranger Things” and “The Adam Project.” As of now, the series lacks a release date and title.

Writer and producer Nick Naveda has expressed enthusiasm, calling the series “nothing short of a dream come true.” Nonetheless, the journey of creating this narrative continues to spark significant debate about the ethics of storytelling in the face of real-life tragedy.