In production is a new series on Netflix set in a blue-collar town where hockey holds significant importance, until a tragic bus accident claims the lives of players and their coach. The plot of the series strikes a chord with many in Saskatchewan, echoing the heartbreaking reality faced by Scott Thomas, who lost his son Evan, a promising rookie right winger for the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team. Evan was one of the 16 individuals who perished when their team’s bus collided with a semi-truck that had run a stop sign in rural Saskatchewan on April 6, 2018.
Although Netflix has not explicitly linked the series to the Humboldt Broncos, the storyline’s resemblance has raised concerns. Scott Thomas expressed his reservations about the series, stating that attempting to find triumph in such a tragedy is something he cannot reconcile with. The series, set in South Dorothy, Minnesota, portrays a high school hockey team that faces a similar bus crash tragedy, leading to a plot where the coach’s widow is tasked with coaching a new team of struggling young men.
Thomas emphasized that his daily reality is mourning the loss of his son, and the idea of finding solace or inspiration in a fictionalized account of their tragedy is not in line with his experience. While acknowledging the potential for stories to be inspired by real-life events, Thomas highlighted the importance of representing the truth accurately if the series draws from the Broncos’ story.
The series has sparked mixed reactions online, with some expressing discomfort over the portrayal of real-life tragedies for entertainment purposes. Craig Silliphant, a cultural commentator, noted the sensitive nature of the story’s connection to a devastating event like the Humboldt bus crash, emphasizing the need for care and respect when depicting traumatic events in media.
As the series garners attention, questions linger about its approach and execution. Silliphant pondered whether the series would handle the subject matter with sensitivity and authenticity or opt for a more sensationalized and Hollywood-style narrative. The production team associated with the series did not respond to requests for comment, leaving viewers and critics curious about the direction the show will take.