Broncos Families Condemn Netflix’s Hockey Tragedy Series

The announcement of a new Netflix series focusing on a fictional hockey tragedy is drawing ire from families affected by the real-life Humboldt Broncos bus crash. The upcoming eight-part series, while not directly based on this event, shares unsettling similarities that have prompted outrage and criticism.

Background of the Humboldt Broncos Tragedy

In 2018, a bus carrying the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team was involved in a devastating crash near Tisdale, Saskatchewan. Sixteen people lost their lives, and thirteen were injured when a truck driver ran a stop sign. Jaskirat Singh Sidhu, the driver, was convicted of dangerous driving and received an eight-year prison sentence. Recently, he was ordered to be deported to India.

Netflix’s Upcoming Series

The new series, set in the fictional town of South Dorothy, Minnesota, centers around a high school hockey team that experiences a similar tragedy. Following a bus accident that claims the coach and several players, the coach’s widow steps in to lead the team of young men grappling with loss and adversity. Netflix has stated that the series is entirely fictional.

Reactions from Humboldt Broncos Families

• Many families affected by the Humboldt crash expressed their anger at Netflix.
• Michelle Straschnitzki, whose son Ryan was severely injured in the crash, criticized the portrayal of their tragedy.
• Tom Straschnitzki, Ryan’s father, called for Netflix to have consulted with the families.
• Tyler Cameron, whose son suffered a serious injury in the incident, described the series as painful and triggering.

The families argue that the series sensationalizes their tragedy and appropriates their experiences for profit. They feel that the creators should acknowledge the real events surrounding the Humboldt Broncos and respect the stories of those directly affected.

Production Details

While Netflix has not announced a release date or title for the series, it stars actress Michelle Monaghan. The project is produced by Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps Entertainment, known for popular series like “Stranger Things.” Writer and producer Nick Naveda described the endeavor as a “dream come true,” despite the backlash.

As discussions about the series continue, families affected by the Humboldt Broncos tragedy hope to highlight the need for sensitivity in storytelling, especially when real lives are involved.