The upcoming Netflix series about a small-town hockey team that faces tragedy after a fatal bus crash has sparked controversy due to its unsettling similarities to the real-life Humboldt Broncos incident. This crash, which occurred on April 6, 2018, near Tisdale, Saskatchewan, claimed the lives of 16 individuals, including players from the junior hockey team, and left 13 others injured when a truck driver, Jaskirat Singh Sidhu, violently collided with their bus after disregarding a stop sign. Sidhu was ultimately sentenced to eight years in prison for dangerous driving, and recently ordered to be deported back to India.
The eight-part series is set in the fictional town of South Dorothy, Minnesota, where hockey is a central aspect of community life and the local high school team has a tradition of winning state championships. Following a tragic bus accident that takes the lives of several players and their coach, the show's narrative pivots to the coach's widow, who is called upon to lead a new team comprised of "battered and broken young men." A Netflix representative stated that the series is strictly fictional and not inspired by actual events, although no release date or title has yet been announced.
Despite Netflix's claims, many families affected by the Humboldt Broncos tragedy have expressed their anger, arguing that the series diminishes their loss by sensationalizing the event. Michelle Straschnitzki, mother of Ryan Straschnitzki, who was paralyzed due to the crash, voiced her concerns, saying, "It does seem to sensationalize our own tragedy... they’re just out to make some money and make it their story, which is garbage." She challenges Netflix's assertion of the story being fictional, arguing that anyone aware of the past eight years would recognize the tragedy's impact across the globe.
The families of Humboldt victims claim they were neither consulted about the series nor informed of its production. Tom Straschnitzki, Ryan’s father, criticized Netflix for not reaching out to the families, stating, "They’re taking advantage of our grief because the creator even said it was his idea and he was so proud of it." He also indicated that he would not watch the series, saying, "Not at all. I kind of relive it every day."
In light of these developments, writer and producer Nick Naveda expressed that creating this series is a significant opportunity for him, yet it has been met with backlash from those connected to the real-life tragedy. Tyler Cameron, whose son Graysen suffered a serious injury during the Humboldt crash but has since recovered, expressed his dismay at the series' announcement. He said, "It is hurtful. It brings back a lot of things. I was a little bit triggered," suggesting that the emotional turmoil resurfaced with the news of the series.
As a prominent piece of the series, actress Michelle Monaghan is set to star, and the project is produced by Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps Entertainment, known for successful titles like "Stranger Things" and "The Adam Project." This association may contribute to increased public interest in the series, despite the controversy surrounding it and its connection to the Humboldt tragedy.
