We Were Broncos Debuts in Saskatchewan, Showcasing Ryan Straschnitzki’s Paralympic Dream

Released on May 28, 2025

Prairie Cat Productions, in partnership with Creative Saskatchewan, proudly hosted the premiere screening of We Were Broncos today at The Artesian in Regina. The event welcomed special guests including Ryan Straschnitzki, the cast and crew, representatives from the Government of Saskatchewan, and members of the local community.

We Were Broncos is a compelling new documentary series that follows Ryan Straschnitzki—survivor of the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash—as he pursues a new dream: competing in wheelchair basketball at the Paralympic Games. After being cut from the national sledge hockey team, Ryan shifts his focus to a new sport, navigating the challenges of elite training while continuing to heal from past trauma.

“Ryan’s story is powerful, personal, and so full of hope,” said Alana Ross, Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport. “The world grieved with the players and their families. Now we celebrate the strength and resilience that is so clearly embedded in this young man’s character. Creative Saskatchewan exists to help tell the important stories of our province and our people, this story is a shining example of that.”

“This is the first documentary that truly explores Ryan’s life beyond the crash,” said Lucas Frison, Producer at Prairie Cat Productions. “It’s a story of resilience, ambition, and the strength of the human spirit. We’re honoured to have shared it with audiences today.”

The series, which will air on AMI, was filmed in Humboldt, Saskatoon, Regina, and Calgary. It not only highlights Ryan’s journey but also shines a spotlight on the wheelchair basketball community in Western Canada.

Creative Saskatchewan invested $160,425 in the production, which has already generated an estimated $609,000 in positive economic impact for the province. The production also leveraged over $450,000 in out-of-province investment into Saskatchewan.

“We Were Broncos is a shining example of how Saskatchewan’s creative industries can drive economic growth while telling powerful, globally relevant stories,” said Erin Dean, CEO of Creative Saskatchewan. “Ryan’s journey exemplifies our community’s resilience, and we’re proud to support a project that brings Saskatchewan’s spirit to the world.”

The premiere event marked a celebration of local storytelling, community strength, and the growing impact of Saskatchewan’s film and television sector.

About Prairie Cat Productions

Prairie Cat Productions is a Canadian Screen Award-nominated production company based in Regina, Saskatchewan. Our projects vary greatly in genre and scope, ranging from scripted films to documentaries and promotional videos. We love to focus on telling stories that celebrate life on the Canadian prairies and have worked with Telefilm Canada, CBC, the Accessibility Network, SK Arts, Canada Council for the Arts, SGI, the Regina Police Service, and more.

About Creative Saskatchewan

Creative Saskatchewan is the economic development agency for Saskatchewan’s creative industries and the official film commission for the province. The agency’s investments propel creative entrepreneurs as they create, perform, innovate, and export in their pursuit of commercial success.

For more information please contact:

Lucas Frison, Producer, Prairie Cat Productions

O: 306-580-3411 | lucas@prairiecatproductions.com

Megan Folden, Director of Marketing and Communications, Creative Saskatchewan

O: (306) 798-2191 | C: (306) 529-7377 | megan.folden@creativesask.ca | creativesask.ca