Former Humboldt Bronco, Ryan Straschnitzki, goes through physiotherapy after crash left him paralyzed from the chest down (submitted photo/Ryan Straschnitzki)

By Ben Tompkins

2017/18 Humboldt Broncos

‘I’m grateful for where I am right now’: Former Humboldt Bronco reflects on five-year anniversary

Apr 6, 2023 | 8:52 PM

Thursday marks the fifth anniversary of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash which took the lives of 16, injured 13 others, and heavily affected the lives of many more.

For former Bronco Ryan Straschnitzki, who was left paralyzed from the chest down, this is a day of reflection.

“Now that it’s been five years, it’s a lot of reflection,” he told northeastNOW. “It seems like time flies by when I go back and think about it, it’s kind of a mix of time flying. But also at the same time, it feels like at times, it’s been slow. It’s flown by, but I’m grateful for where I’m at right now.”

Since the accident, Straschnitzki has started his own foundation, undergone Epidural Stimulation, is studying accessibility architecture, and is even pursuing a Paralympic dream.

(Submitted photo/Ryan Straschnitzki)

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He said while he will never forget that day or those that are lost, it’s his responsibility to continue moving forward.

“My whole life has always revolved around looking forward and those next steps and, obviously, being mindful of the past, but not letting it kind of dictate where I’m going and sort of make the best of the situation that I’m currently in.”

And while the group of survivors from April 6, 2018, don’t necessarily have plans made around the crash, Straschnitzki said they continuously keep in touch, and make sure every one of them is doing okay.

“A lot of the guys are dispersed all over Canada, so we keep in touch, we message each other in a group chat, kind of make plans, if anyone wants to, and then just make sure everyone’s okay, and let everyone heal in their own way.”

As for the City of Humboldt, the Elgar Petersen Arena will be open for just under an hour, as tribute videos will be played on the jumbotron, as people come and pay their respects. Church bells will also be rung a total of 29 times, at the approximate time of the accident.

Straschnitzki explained, for him, the day will heavily involve his family and when he’s ready, he will watch some of those videos online.

“My family and supporters, I want them to know that I’m doing okay and that their support continues to mean a lot to me… I’ll just kind of stay away from my phone for a little bit anyways, and then kind of watch it later,” he added. “But either way, I think the support and the positive vibes and messages I get, and everything all above, I think it’s just something that I’m cognizant of, and I’m very thankful.”

The Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League (SJHL) playoffs and how the current Broncos team is doing can also be a good distraction, according to Straschnitzki.

“I think in playoffs you want the Broncos to win and perform and it’s something that will be essentially a part of me the rest of my life,” he said. “Definitely be cognizant of what’s going on and support them in any way I can.”

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news@northeastnow.com

On Twitter @BenTompkins_8