Ryan Straschnitzki is a well-known name around Humboldt and area who will always be remembered as a Humboldt Bronco.

Straschnitzki, who is from Airdrie, Alberta, was a part of the Humboldt Broncos team in 2017-2018 when the bus accident occurred.

The injuries that he sustained from the accident changed his life course but didn't knock him off the tracks.

Straschnitzki, who now plays sledge hockey, has big dreams to play for Team Canada. 

"Hockey has been a huge part of my life and I don't know what I would do without it. I am fortunate enough to be able to still play just in a different form. I have a great skills coach working with me and I really can't complain. I'm pretty lucky to be back on the ice and hopefully one day wear that maple leaf on the sweater."

Although his life may be different now, he is grateful.

"It's a process and every day we're learning something new, and they are there to support me (his parents), which I am really grateful for and every day is a new day, and for the most part I think we are handling it well."

Straschnitzki was pretty excited about the new sponsorship from Adidas.

"They reached out to me via social media and they wanted to sponsor me to help me obtain my goals to play in the Paralympics one day, which I am very grateful for. They wanted to supply me with training gear, and through that, I have been able to train with some NHL players. It's been a really great experience so far and I think I'm with them for the next three years."

The good news doesn't stop there for Straschnitzki. He has been nominated for the People's Choice Award for the Sports Hall of Fame. He is up against some pretty intense competition.

"I am up against some pretty amazing athletes, I am not getting ahead of myself but it will be interesting to see how the results turn out." 

It is a voting-based award so if you want to vote for him you can by clicking here.

Straschnitzki took the time to thank everyone that has been there for him and his teammates as well as a special message to this year's team.

"Have fun with it. I know a lot of guys are in it for scholarships and sometimes that can be stressful, but I think if you just have fun and don't worry about that stuff and just worry about playing the game and having fun you will go a long way."