A fresh TV series is currently in the works by Netflix, set in a blue-collar town where ice hockey reigns supreme until a tragic bus accident claims the lives of players and their coach. This narrative strikes a chord with many individuals in Saskatchewan.
Scott Thomas, who lost his 18-year-old son Evan in the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team bus crash on April 6, 2018, finds the series plot distressing. Despite lacking a trailer, release date, or title, the storyline’s resemblance to his personal tragedy raises concerns for Thomas.
Expressing his sentiments in an interview, Thomas conveys his inability to find solace in a fictional account based on the heartbreaking reality his family endured. He emphasizes that the ongoing anguish from the loss of his son makes it impossible for him to view the series with any sense of triumph.
While acknowledging the potential for commercial exploitation of globally covered events, Thomas highlights that the show’s current information suggests a departure from the truth, as per his knowledge. In response to inquiries, Netflix clarified that the series is entirely fictional and not inspired by actual incidents.
The narrative unfolds in South Dorothy, Minnesota, focusing on a high school hockey team devastated by a bus crash that claims several players and their coach. Subsequently, the coach’s widow, portrayed by Michelle Monaghan, is tasked with coaching a new team of struggling young men, as per Netflix’s promotional materials.
Thomas expresses skepticism towards the series’ premise of redemption and rebirth, contrasting it with the perpetual tragedy he faces daily. He mourns his son’s loss continuously, finding it difficult to reconcile the fictional portrayal with his lived reality.
While not demanding consultation, Thomas suggests that awareness of projects inspired by the Broncos’ tragedy would have been appreciated. He emphasizes a preference for documentaries portraying factual events and the ongoing struggles faced by those affected, rather than fictionalized accounts with inaccurate conclusions.
The online promotion of the series sparked a response from Tom Straschnitzki, whose son Ryan was severely injured in the Humboldt Broncos crash. Straschnitzki pointed out the eerie parallels between the series and the actual tragic event, emphasizing the lasting impact on the families involved.
As discussions surrounding the series intensify online, opinions vary on the appropriateness of fictionalizing real-life tragedies. Cultural commentator Craig Silliphant notes the visceral reaction to the story due to its close ties to a poignant local event and the sport of hockey.
The production, associated with Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps company and creators Nick Naveda and Bridget Bedard, has raised questions about its portrayal of sensitive subject matter. Silliphant contemplates whether the series will handle the narrative with sensitivity or exploit the tragedy for dramatic effect.
As the series remains shrouded in mystery, Silliphant emphasizes the importance of approaching traumatic stories with empathy, respect, and a genuine acknowledgment of the pain endured by those affected. He underscores the need for a thoughtful and considerate approach to storytelling in the aftermath of tragic events.
