Ryan Straschnitzki is set to speak at the Lethbridge Trade & Convention Centre at Mar. 4, 2026. (Image Credit: Ryan Straschnitzki)

By David Opinko

Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor to speak in Lethbridge

Jan 21, 2026 | 10:07 AM

An upcoming keynote presentation will highlight one man’s story of resiliency and hope.

Lethbridge Polytechnic, in partnership with Excite Lethbridge and presented by entrepreneur Bruce McKillop, has announced the 2026 speaker series guest, Ryan Straschnitzki.

Straschnitzki was among the 13 people who were injured in the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash, the same incident that killed Lethbridge’s Logan Boulet and 15 others.

He was paralyzed from the chest down, forever altering his life.

Despite receiving an immense amount of support from around the world, Straschnitzki says that every day is a battle, not only physically but also mentally.

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He has since founded The Straz Strong Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides access to adaptive sports equipment, education on mental and physical disabilities through public speaking, and funding for rehabilitation and physiotherapy.

As a keynote speaker, Straschnitzki aims to spread a message of positivity and motivation for those looking to adapt and change their lives for the better.

McKillop says Straschnitzki’s story is one of resiliency and hope, sentiments that he believes everyone should take into consideration.

“I’m proud of what we’ve done with the speaker series, and I encourage students and the community to come hear Ryan’s message,” says McKillop.

The partnership with Excite Lethbridge will allow the event to be held at the larger Lethbridge Trade & Convention Centre.

Sydney Koppe, director of community engagement at Excite Lethbridge, says she is excited to partner with the Polytechnic for this event, as students are as imoprtant part of the community.

“Our organization embraces this year’s theme of resiliency as we transitioned to a new entity this past year, and we are looking forward to being inspired and educated by Ryan’s message,” says Koppe.

Tickets for the Lethbridge Polytechnic Speaker Series featuring Ryan Straschnitzki are now available. Two sessions will be held on March 4, 2026 – a student event at 2:00 p.m. and a main event at 6:00 p.m., followed by a networking hour at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased online at lethpolytech.ca/ryans-story.