A new series is currently in the works on Netflix, set in a blue-collar town where hockey holds great significance until a tragic bus accident claims the lives of players and their coach. This familiar storyline resonates deeply with many individuals in Saskatchewan.
The plot of the series hits close to home for Scott Thomas, who is grappling with the loss of his 18-year-old son Evan, a promising rookie right winger for the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey team. Evan was among the 16 individuals who tragically lost their lives when the team’s bus collided with a semi-truck that ran a stop sign in rural Saskatchewan on April 6, 2018.
Despite the lack of a trailer, release date, or public title, the thematic similarities are enough to raise concerns. Scott Thomas expressed his dismay at the attempt to derive triumph from such a devastating tragedy, emphasizing that he cannot find solace in fictionalizing the painful reality his family continues to endure.
The series is reportedly based in South Dorothy, Minnesota, where a high school hockey team with a storied history faces a similar bus crash that results in the loss of several players and their coach. The narrative takes a turn as the coach’s widow, portrayed by Michelle Monaghan, is tasked with coaching a new team of young men dealing with profound emotional and physical scars.
Scott Thomas, reflecting on the promotional material, highlighted the stark contrast between the series’ hopeful narrative and the ongoing grief and anguish he experiences daily. He lamented the inaccuracies in the fictional portrayal, stating that it does not honor the truth of their tragedy or contribute to their quest for a better world in memory of their loved ones.
The series has sparked online discussion, with some criticizing it as insensitive and exploitative, while others argue that fiction often draws inspiration from real-life events. Cultural commentator Craig Silliphant noted that the close association with hockey and the tragic accident in Humboldt makes the storyline particularly poignant for viewers.
As the production moves forward, questions linger about the sensitivity and authenticity of the storytelling. Silliphant underscored the importance of approaching such sensitive topics with reverence, emphasizing the need for consultation, respect, and a genuine acknowledgment of the pain embedded in the narrative. The outcome of the series and its portrayal of the traumatic events remains a point of speculation for those outside the production circle.