Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor Ryan Straschnitzki tosses a basketball in Airdrie, Alta., Wednesday, May 14, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS
Ryan Straschnitzki’s story has always been public. Now, it’s coming to your screen - 'We Were Broncos', story of the Humboldt Crash Survivor.
At just 26, Ryan’s name remains deeply tied to one of Canada’s darkest days. In 2018, a semi-truck ran a stop sign and slammed into the Humboldt Broncos team bus on a Saskatchewan highway. The crash claimed 16 lives and left 13 others injured. Ryan, then a junior hockey player, was left paralyzed from the chest down.
Since that life-altering moment, Ryan has refused to be defined by tragedy.
A New Chapter Begins
Following months of filming, a six-part docuseries titled We Were Broncos is set to premiere on May 26 on AMI (Accessible Media Inc.). The series captures eight powerful months of Ryan’s life as he explores a new dream—making Canada’s wheelchair basketball team for the 2028 Paralympics.
Behind the camera is Lucas Frison of Prairie Cat Productions. He first documented the Broncos' return to the ice for CBC. But Ryan’s shift from para-hockey to basketball reignited Frison’s passion to tell his story in full.
Beyond the Ice and Into the Court
Ryan initially turned to para-hockey and even trained with the Paralympic development team. But after narrowly missing out on Team Canada’s Olympic roster, he pivoted to wheelchair basketball in July 2023.
The transition wasn’t easy.
“In the beginning, I doubted myself,” Ryan admits. “But by the end of the season, I realized I could do this—if I put in the work.”
He now plays for a Calgary team and attended his first Team Canada training camp in July. The journey is just beginning, but Ryan’s determination is undeniable.
More Than a Crash Survivor
Frison describes Ryan as a “fun, positive person” who deserves recognition for more than surviving a crash.
In the series, Ryan opens up about life in the spotlight. Strangers often approach him to talk about the Humboldt tragedy. He accepts it with grace—but hopes viewers see another side of him.
He wants to be known not just for the crash, but for his Straz Strong charity, his athletic goals, and his evolving identity.
Bringing the Story Home
Ryan will be in Toronto this week to promote We Were Broncos. While many know the headline story, Ryan believes few truly understand his perspective today.
“I hope people get insight into what my life looks like now,” he says.
As for watching himself on screen?
“I hate seeing or hearing myself on camera,” he laughs. “I haven’t seen the final cut. I just hope people like it.”
Frison and Ryan both hope this is just the beginning. A second season may be on the horizon.
Because Ryan’s story—his real story—is still being written.
