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

Rodney Parker

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

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On December 30, 1986, a tragedy occurred that would forever leave an imprint on the hearts of Canadians and hockey fans around the world. The Swift Current Broncos, a junior ice hockey team from Saskatchewan, were on their way to a game in Regina when their team bus collided with a semi-tractor trailer, killing four players and injuring many others.

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

by Gebshu Kukhet

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3027 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	216 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

The Swift Current Broncos were a beloved part of their community, and the loss of four young lives was a devastating blow. The victims of the crash were: Trent Kresse, Scott Kruger, Chris Mantyka, and Brent Ruff. They were all talented hockey players with bright futures ahead of them.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, the community of Swift Current rallied around the Broncos. The team vowed to continue playing, and they did so with incredible heart and determination. The Broncos went on to win the Western Hockey League (WHL) championship that season, and they dedicated their victory to the memory of their fallen teammates.

The story of the 1986 Swift Current Broncos is one of resilience and inspiration. It is a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, we can find strength and hope. The Broncos' legacy continues to live on today, and their story continues to inspire people around the world.

The Bus Crash

On the evening of December 30, 1986, the Swift Current Broncos were traveling to Regina for a game against the Regina Pats. The team bus was driving on Highway 1 near the town of Humboldt, Saskatchewan, when it collided with a semi-tractor trailer that was hauling two trailers of potash.

The impact of the crash was devastating. The front of the bus was completely destroyed, and many of the players were ejected from the vehicle. Four players were killed instantly, and many others were seriously injured.

The crash sent shockwaves throughout Canada and the hockey world. The Swift Current Broncos were a popular team, and the loss of four young lives was a tragedy.

The Victims

The four players who were killed in the bus crash were:

Trent Kresse was a 16-year-old defenseman from Swift Current. He was a talented player who had been drafted by the NHL's Minnesota North Stars.
Scott Kruger was a 16-year-old forward from Swift Current. He was a skilled player who had been drafted by the NHL's New York Rangers.
Chris Mantyka was a 17-year-old forward from Lethbridge, Alberta. He was a promising player who had been drafted by the NHL's Calgary Flames.
Brent Ruff was a 16-year-old defenseman from Swift Current. He was a solid player who had been drafted by the NHL's Vancouver Canucks.

The deaths of these four young men were a devastating loss for their families, friends, and the entire Swift Current community.

The Aftermath

In the aftermath of the bus crash, the Swift Current Broncos were determined to continue playing. They knew that their fallen teammates would have wanted them to do so.

The Broncos played their first game after the crash on January 9, 1987. They lost the game 6-3, but they showed incredible heart and determination. The Broncos went on to win the WHL championship that season, and they dedicated their victory to the memory of their fallen teammates.

The Swift Current Broncos' story is one of resilience and inspiration. It is a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, we can find strength and hope. The Broncos' legacy continues to live on today, and their story continues to inspire people around the world.

The Legacy

The legacy of the 1986 Swift Current Broncos is one of resilience, inspiration, and hope. The team's story is a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, we can find strength and hope. The Broncos' legacy continues to live on today, and their story continues to inspire people around the world.

In 1987, the Swift Current Broncos established the Broncos Memorial Fund. The fund provides scholarships to young hockey players and helps to support the families of those who have been killed or injured in hockey-related accidents.

In 1997, the Swift Current Broncos built a new arena called the Credit Union iplex. The arena is dedicated to the memory of the four players who were killed in the bus crash. The Broncos Memorial Fund provides scholarships to young hockey players and helps to support the families of those who have been killed or injured in hockey-related accidents.

The Swift Current Broncos are a reminder that even in the face of tragedy, we can find strength and hope. Their story is one of resilience, inspiration, and hope, and it continues to inspire people around the world.

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

by Gebshu Kukhet

4.6 out of 5