New TV series focuses on Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor and his journey to the Paralympics

Ryan Straschnitski talks about his journey to competing in Paralympic wheelchair basketball and the new series exploring the story called 'We Were Broncos.'

Seven years after he was injured in the Humboldt Broncos bus crash, Ryan Straschnitzki is pursuing a Paralympic dream in wheelchair basketball. His pursuit is the subject of a new series called, “We Were Broncos” and premieres Monday night on AMI. Ryan spoke about his goal and the series with CTV Morning Live’s Nicole Lampa.

This transcript has been edited for length and clarity.

Nicole Lampa: Why did you choose basketball as the path to the Paralympics?

Ryan Straschnitzki: Honestly, I was just looking for another team sport. I played a little bit in junior high and wanted to test my skills afterwards in a sports chair. That was one of the first things I got into and I fell in love with it.

Nicole: How important is sport and competition to you?

Ryan: It’s everything. It taught me so many things growing up: knowing how to lose, knowing how to win properly, and continue to push through adversity. I think that’s exactly what I’m doing right now by switching career paths from sled hockey to wheelchair basketball and trying to see if I can make it to the top level at the Paralympics.

Nicole: You would not be the first from the Broncos to reach the Paralympics. Do you seek advice from Jacob Wassermann?

Ryan: Absolutely. He’s the epitome of an athlete. So I’m trying to learn as much as I can from him and stay in touch. He actually makes an appearance throughout the docuseries as well, so you get to see that interaction and see the insight that he gives me on my journey.

Nicole: What else is in there for viewers to look forward to?

Ryan: Lots of things. A bit of an insight into my life, of how I’m living life in a wheelchair, the things I do outside of sport, the training that I do, and some of the friendships and family that I have around me that are supporting me towards that goal, the Paralympics.

Nicole: You ever get tired of being in public about your life?

Ryan: Not really. I find people are curious and I find it’s a bit therapeutic whenever I get to share my story, share my perspective, and maybe give some people some closure. I think it’s important to interact with people because the whole world came together for us, and it’s my way of giving back by sharing my perspective, sharing my story and being open with the public.

Nicole: What do you hear from people who are following your story?

Ryan: A lot of things I hear are good things: some advice, some technology coming out that might help me walk again…. But I’m just so grateful that the community is here for me and my teammates and they give us the motivation to always push forward.

Nicole: Where are you right now in your Paralympic dream?

Ryan: I’m heading to my first NextGen national camp in July for Team Canada. I’m hoping I can make the roster in the next couple of years before the 2028 Paralympics. And alongside that, I’m going to continue to train, work hard and learn as much as I can.

Nicole: Your family, I understand, is deeply involved, and they are featured in this documentary. What’s it like having them support you?

Ryan: It’s great. They’ve always been there. Even after the accident, they didn’t treat me any differently. We still have that connection. They’re supporting me along the way. They supported me throughout my hockey career and they’re supporting me through my basketball career as well.