(Image Credit: Jett Schwaier/CHAT News)

By Jett Schwaier

IN OUR COMMUNITY

Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor Straschnitzki gave a presentation to students in Medicine Hat

Jan 12, 2026 | 5:51 PM

Elementary students at Webster Niblock School in Medicine Hat had a presentation from a Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor, Ryan Straschnitzki, on Jan. 12, 2026.

The presentation displayed Straschnitzki’s journey through elite hockey, the setbacks he faced along the way, and how a growth mindset helped him overcome adversity.

In Straschnitzki’s early hockey career, he had been cut from many teams and explained how those moments initially led to frustration and self-doubt, and told students that those experiences forced him to shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset.

Straschnitzki said the growth mindset he developed helped him become a better hockey player.

“I continuously got cut from all these teams that I wanted to play on, and that kind of motivated me to work even harder when no one else was watching, so that the following years, I could achieve those goals,” Straschnitzki said.

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“So it was always about finding that opportunity, but figuring out what I needed to do in order to get there.”

During the presentation, Straschnitzki explained how the 2018 bus crash changed his life, resulting in a spinal cord injury with less than a two per cent chance of walking again.

Straschnitzki described the physical and mental challenges of recovery, including relearning basic tasks and undergoing intensive physiotherapy.

While the injuries ended his career in ice hockey, Straschnitzki found a new purpose through competing in wheelchair basketball and is training to reach the Paralympics.

Straschnitzki also spoke to students about R.I.S.E., which he said means Resilience, Improvement, Self-belief, and Empowerment, helping him through his journey.

“Rising up always, like getting cut [and] rising above it. It just kind of fit, so I had to find words that fit with the story.”

In the presentation’s closing, Straschnitzki emphasized the importance of mental health, encouraging students to seek help and talk to trusted people when they are struggling.

“I remember being a young kid and not really hearing any presentations about mindset and how important mindset is going forward in life,” Straschnitzki said.

Straschnitzki continues to support and empower individuals with disabilities through the Straz Strong Foundation.

The RISE and DEFY documentary created by the foundation is available on the Straz Strong Foundation’s website.

The presentation was made possible through a gift from the school council of Webster Niblock.