With the popular hockey series ‘Heated Rivalry’ gaining attention on Crave and HBO, Netflix is releasing its own hockey show. However, the story behind this new series has led some viewers to believe it’s based on a true event.
Netflix announced more information about its new hockey series, which will star Michelle Monaghan, on January 21st.
In the Netflix series, Patton Monaghan stars as Harper Sullivan, a hockey coach who takes on the challenge of rebuilding a high school team in South Dorothy, Minnesota, following a tragic bus accident.
For decades, the South Dorothy team consistently won state championships and produced NHL players, all under the guidance of their coach, affectionately known as “Sully” Sullivan.
After a tragic bus accident takes the lives of several players and their coach, Sully, the town turns to his widow, Harper Sullivan, to lead a new team of struggling young men. The series tells the inspiring story of how this unlikely team unites, revitalizes their community, and transforms their collective sorrow into a powerful force.
While this might seem like a plot point from a hockey drama, many fans have noticed striking parallels to the tragic 2018 bus crash that took the lives of 16 players from the Humboldt Broncos.
Hockey fans accuse Netflix of profiting off Humboldt Broncos tragedy
A terrible crash near Armley, Saskatchewan on April 6, 2018, killed 16 people and injured 13 others. A semi-truck hit a bus at an intersection because the truck didn’t stop.
It’s just heartbreaking. I heard about the bus crash involving the Humboldt Broncos, a junior hockey team out in Saskatchewan. Most of the people who died or got hurt were the players themselves and the people who worked with the team. It’s just awful to think about, especially as a hockey fan and someone who’s been part of a team.
On July 6, 2018, Jaskirat Singh Sidhu, a truck driver, was charged with multiple offenses related to a serious collision, including 16 counts of dangerous driving causing death and 13 counts causing injury. He admitted guilt in early 2019 and received an eight-year prison sentence.
After a period of sadness and healing, the team eventually got back to work and competed again the next season.
Some fans are upset that Netflix’s new hockey series begins with a bus crash. Netflix hasn’t acknowledged the real-life Humboldt bus tragedy when talking about the show or its production.
The most popular comment on the announcement called it distasteful to try and make money from Humboldt.
Someone else commented that they need to see a breakdown of funds going to Humboldt players and families before they’ll support this. They added that while frustrating, it’s not unexpected.
Comments on X were generally similar, with many people noting the story appeared to be inspired by the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash. One user wrote that for those who remembered the tragedy, the emotional impact still lingered.
This story appears to be inspired by the tragic Humboldt Broncos bus crash of 2018. Those who remember that time will likely find the emotions very powerful. If you’re unfamiliar with what happened, here’s a brief overview.
— Lee Finishen 🇨🇦 (@5150Inprogress) January 21, 2026
I just saw a comment that really got me thinking – someone pointed out that Netflix is actually using the real-life Humboldt crash as a foundation for their show, ‘Heated Rivalry.’ It’s pretty wild to think about.
Although the recent tragedy understandably draws comparisons to the Humboldt bus crash, it’s important to remember that other hockey teams have also been involved in bus accidents, and unfortunately, history includes even more devastating travel tragedies within the sport.
In 2011, a plane carrying the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl hockey team crashed shortly after takeoff, and everyone on board except one player died.
We haven’t yet received any information about the release date of this new Netflix series, or whether it will feature anything related to Humboldt before it premieres.
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2026-01-23 01:49