SWIFT CURRENT — A deeply personal documentary revisiting one of Canadian hockey’s most tragic stories will screen in Swift Current on Oct. 13.
Trilight Entertainment, in collaboration with the Swift Current Broncos and the city of Swift Current, is presenting Sideways: The Broncos Story at InnovationPlex. The feature-length film chronicles a 35-year journey of grief and healing following the infamous 1986 Swift Current Broncos bus crash that killed four players.
Doors open at 12:30 p.m., with a tribute and screening at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at sidewaysdocumentary.ca.
“Sideways isn’t just my story — it’s about showing what healing can look like,” says Bob Wilkie, survivor and NHL alumnus. “It’s about legacy, about breaking the silence, and about building tools and support systems for others. And this isn’t the end — it’s just the beginning of a movement that starts here in Swift Current.”
The documentary follows Wilkie and other survivors over decades, exploring the long-lasting impact of the tragedy, the silence surrounding mental health in sports at the time, and the journey to resilience. Wilkie went on to found I Got Mind, a mental health initiative that has worked with thousands to prevent crises through training and support.
“It’s time to heal. We’ve ignored pain for too long. This is how we are changing the culture,” Wilkie says. “Mental health can’t be an afterthought anymore. We need tools before a crisis hits.”
The film includes perspectives from prominent voices such as Kelly Hrudey, Hayley Wickenheiser, Ken Holland and Dr. Bruce Perry, adding depth to the themes of loss, courage and recovery.
“This movie is so well done,” said John Barlow, Conservative MP for Foothills.
“Everyone needs to see this film,” added Stacey Meyer, manager of education services for the WHL.
Chris Joseph, who lost his son in the Humboldt Broncos tragedy, called it “A must-see for every hockey family.”
Shayne Putzlocher, lead producer, said: “This story speaks to everyone, tragedy, trauma, pain and survival. The response has been overwhelming. We know we’ve tapped into something that people are hungry for; honesty, hope, and a path forward.”
The screening in Swift Current will be more than a film showing. It will be a tribute to the lives lost, the courage of survivors, and the importance of open conversation about mental health in sports and communities.
For tickets and more information, visit their website.
