Member-only story

The Incredible Saga of the 1986 Swift Current Broncos: A Journey of Tragedy and Triumph

H.G. Wells

·14.2k Followers· Follow

Published in Sudden Death: The Incredible Saga Of The 1986 Swift Current Broncos

5 min read · 1 week before

525 View Claps

54 Respond

Save

Listen

A Devastating Loss

On the evening of December 30, 1986, a tragic event shook the world of hockey and beyond. The Swift Current Broncos, a junior hockey team from Saskatchewan, Canada, were on their way to a game in Regina when their bus collided with a semi-trailer truck near Estevan, Saskatchewan. The impact was catastrophic, claiming the lives of four players, one coach, and one trainer.

Memorial At The Site Of The Swift Current Broncos Bus Crash Sudden Death: The Incredible Saga Of The 1986 Swift Current Broncos

Sudden Death: The Incredible Saga of the 1986 Swift Current Broncos

The victims were:

* Brent Ruff, 16, player * Trent Kresse, 16, player * Chris Mantyka, 18, player * Scott Kruger, 18, player * Darcy Haugan, 24, coach * Lyle Millar, 42, trainer

A Community in Mourning

The crash sent shockwaves through the Swift Current community and beyond. The loss was particularly devastating for the families of the victims, the team's management, and the close-knit hockey community.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, the town of Swift Current came together in grief and support. People gathered at vigils, memorials were held, and the community rallied around those affected by the loss.

Resilience and Triumph

Despite the unspeakable pain and grief, the Swift Current Broncos organization and the community showed incredible resilience. Determined to honor the memory of those who had been lost, the team vowed to continue playing.

1986 87 Swift Current Broncos Team Photo Sudden Death: The Incredible Saga Of The 1986 Swift Current Broncos — The 1986-87 Swift Current Broncos team, who played with heavy hearts and determination.

The 1986-87 season was a difficult one for the Broncos. Playing with heavy hearts and the weight of the tragedy upon their shoulders, they struggled to find their footing on the ice. However, they never gave up and eventually found success.

Led by captain Joe Sakic, who would go on to become a Hockey Hall of Famer, the Broncos rallied together and won the Memorial Cup, the championship of junior hockey in Canada. Their victory was a testament to their resilience and the unwavering support of the Swift Current community.

A Legacy of Inspiration

The legacy of the 1986 Swift Current Broncos tragedy continues to inspire today. The story of their resilience, strength, and triumph in the face of adversity has been told in books, documentaries, and memorials.

Memorial Garden At The Swift Current Broncos Arena Sudden Death: The Incredible Saga Of The 1986 Swift Current Broncos

The Swift Current Broncos Arena is home to a memorial garden that pays tribute to the victims of the crash. The garden features a bronze statue of a hockey player, a plaque with the names of the victims, and a pathway lined with bricks engraved with messages of remembrance.

The Swift Current Broncos organization also hosts an annual memorial game each December to honor the memory of those who were lost. The game is a fundraiser for the Broncos Education Fund, which provides scholarships to student-athletes.

A Story for All

The story of the 1986 Swift Current Broncos is not just a hockey story. It is a story of tragedy, resilience, and triumph that resonates with people from all walks of life. It is a story that reminds us of the importance of community, the power of the human spirit, and the ability to overcome even the most devastating of challenges.

The Incredible Saga of the 1986 Swift Current Broncos is a book that tells this story in full. It is a powerful and moving account of a tragedy that forever changed a community, a team, and a nation. It is a story that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.

Sudden Death: The Incredible Saga of the 1986 Swift Current Broncos

by Gebshu Kukhet

4.6 out of 5