Former Humboldt Bronco to headline Polytechnic’s speaker series

By Lethbridge Herald on February 20, 2026.

By Alexandra Noad

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter-Lethbridge Herald

Lethbridge Polytechnic and local businessman, Bruce McKillop will welcome Ryan Straschnitzki, former Humboldt Bronco and Paralympic wheelchair basketball hopeful to headline the 2026 speaker series.

Since being paralyzed from the chest down in 2018 in the tragic Humboldt bus crash, Straschnitzki has become a powerful advocate for overcoming adversity, working to break down barriers and stigma surrounding physical and mental disabilities.

Through the Straz Strong Foundation and his work as a keynote speaker, Straschnitzki promotes adaptive sports accessible rehabilitation and a message of resilience.

Taylor Bourret, campaign manager for Lethbridge Polytechnic says she hopes people will feel empowered by hearing Straschnitzki’s story.

I hope they leave this series feeling motivated and empowered, I think Ryan’s going to share his story of the challenges he’s been through and his mindset of positivity and if Ryan can do that every day, given what he’s faced, why can’t we?”

This is the Polytechnic’s fourth speaker series, which aims to educate attendees, engage the community and provide thoughtful dialogue on important issues impacting both students and the broader community.

Bruce McKillop says each of these events are unique and are worth attending each year.

“Each one is unique and I like the fact that it is unique. I like going into things where you can’t anticipate the end.”

This year, Excite Lethbridge has partnered with the speaker series and will host the event at the Lethbridge Trade and Convention Centre.

There will be two sessions held for the speaker series on March 4. One for students at 2 p.m. and another one for the general public at 6 p.m.

Bourret says having student specific events such as this one will be a great opportunity for them to learn and network.

“When there’s opportunities like this, it really motivates you as a student to go and be like ‘you know what, this is for me and I’m going to learn about this.”

A limited number are tickets are available at lethpolytech.ca/events-calendar.