Calgary filmmaker Bob Wilkie has created a profound documentary that examines one of Canadian hockey's most tragic events - the 1986 Swift Current Broncos bus crash. Titled 'Sideways,' the film provides an intimate look at the catastrophe that claimed four young lives and forever changed the survivors.
The Tragic Event That Shook Canadian Hockey
On December 30, 1986, the Swift Current Broncos junior hockey team was traveling to a game when their bus slid off an icy highway and rolled down an embankment near Swift Current, Saskatchewan. The crash resulted in the deaths of four players: Scott Kruger, Trent Kresse, Brent Ruff, and Chris Mantyka, all between the ages of 16 and 21.
Wilkie, who spoke with Glenn Campbell about the project, explained that the documentary goes beyond simply recounting the tragedy. "This isn't just about what happened that day," Wilkie noted. "It's about how the survivors have carried this experience through their lives, and how a community came together in the face of unimaginable loss."
A Deeper Exploration of Trauma and Resilience
The documentary features interviews with survivors, family members, and community figures who were affected by the crash. Wilkie's approach focuses on the long-term psychological impact and the remarkable resilience shown by those involved.
Among the survivors were several players who would go on to NHL careers, including Sheldon Kennedy and Joe Sakic, though the film primarily concentrates on the human experience rather than hockey achievements. The emotional scars and psychological trauma became central themes that Wilkie explores with sensitivity and depth.
Lasting Impact and Legacy
The Swift Current Broncos bus crash remains one of the darkest moments in Canadian sports history, leading to improved safety regulations for team transportation across the country. The community of Swift Current established memorials and continues to honor the memories of the four young players lost.
Wilkie's documentary comes at a time when conversations about mental health in sports have become more prominent. 'Sideways' aims to contribute to this dialogue by showing how traumatic events can shape lives for decades and how healing is an ongoing process.
The film is expected to resonate not only with hockey fans but with anyone interested in stories of human resilience and community strength in the face of tragedy.
