Concerns Over Sensitivity and Accuracy
The upcoming Netflix hockey drama, The Sticks, has ignited controversy among families affected by the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash. The tragedy, which resulted in 16 deaths, continues to be a source of deep pain for the community, and many feel the new series bears uncomfortable parallels to their own experience.
Scott Thomas, who lost his son Evan in the accident, expressed his strong disapproval in an interview with SaskNow. Referring to the show's premise, he stated: «From what I’m assuming, where they’re going with this is: bus crashes, hockey players die, wife picks up the team and brings them back to glory. And in the end, everybody’s happy. That’s just complete trash. That’s not what happened to us. At all.»
Netflix’s Official Stance
The backlash resurfaced following Netflix's recent release of behind-the-scenes promotional materials for the series, which is slated for a 2027 premiere. Despite the public outcry, Netflix has maintained that the project is not based on the Humboldt incident. In a previous statement provided to The Canadian Press, the streaming giant emphasized that The Sticks is «fictional and not inspired by any real-life event.»
The Premise of 'The Sticks'
According to official promotional descriptions, the series is set in the fictional town of South Dorothy, Minnesota. The plot centers on a community reeling from a sudden, tragic loss involving their high school hockey team. The story follows a grieving widow who takes over as coach, navigating a season defined by trauma, recovery, and the community's future.
Accusations of Exploitation
Michelle Straschnitzki, whose son Ryan was paralyzed in the 2018 collision, remains unconvinced by the claim that the story is entirely fictional. Speaking to The Canadian Press, she characterized the show as an exploitative take on a real-world tragedy.
«It does seem to sensationalize our own tragedy, but in a truly Hollywood fashion, they’re making it about them — their heartbreak, their loss, their rebuild. They’re just out to make some money and make it their story, which is garbage,» Straschnitzki remarked.
She further emphasized that given the global attention the Humboldt Broncos crash received, it is difficult to believe that the creators were unaware of the parallels, suggesting that the production aims to monetize a narrative that hits too close to home for those who lived through the actual tragedy.