Broncos Families Criticize Netflix’s Hockey Tragedy Series for Inaccuracy
The announcement of a new Netflix series has stirred controversy among families affected by the Humboldt Broncos bus tragedy. The series, while fictional, portrays a narrative reminiscent of the tragic 2018 incident that left 16 people dead and 13 injured in Saskatchewan.
Background of the Humboldt Broncos Tragedy
On April 6, 2018, a junior hockey team’s bus was involved in a tragic accident near Tisdale, Saskatchewan. The bus collided with a truck driven by Jaskirat Singh Sidhu, who failed to stop at a stop sign. Sidhu was later sentenced to eight years in prison for dangerous driving, and he has recently been ordered to be deported to India.
Netflix Series Overview
The upcoming Netflix series, which has yet to be named, is set in a fictional working-class town named South Dorothy, Minnesota. The story follows a high school hockey team that faces tragedy when a bus crash claims several players and their coach. In the aftermath, the coach’s widow steps in to lead a new team.
- Release Date: Not announced.
- Number of Episodes: Eight.
- Production: Created by Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps production company.
- Notable Cast: Actress Michelle Monaghan.
Criticism from Humboldt Families
Several families of the Humboldt crash victims have expressed outrage over the Netflix series, feeling it sensationalizes their tragedy. Michelle Straschnitzki, whose son Ryan was paralyzed in the incident, voiced her discontent. She remarked how the series appears to exploit their grief while claiming to tell a fictional story.
Straschnitzki emphasized that the families were not consulted prior to the series’ development. She stated, “If you have been alive in the last eight years and you haven’t heard what happened on the grand scale that it was, then you’ve had your head in the sand.”
Tom Straschnitzki, Ryan’s father, echoed similar sentiments. He criticized the show for taking credit for a narrative that closely resembles their real-life experience. “They’re taking advantage of our grief,” he said.
Other Family Reactions
Tyler Cameron, whose son Graysen suffered serious injuries in the crash, also expressed his disappointment. The news of the series triggering memories was particularly painful for him. He remarked, “You’d think if they wanted to tell that story, they would have told our story and maybe ask us first.”
The controversy highlights the delicate balance between storytelling and sensitivity to those who have endured real-life tragedies. The Netflix series has sparked discussions on ethical storytelling in the wake of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash.
