For NHL fans there are quite a few good movies focused around the sport but we’ve narrowed it down to our favourite three hockey movies that we absolutely recommend that you watch!
The Mighty Ducks (1992)
How many films can boast that they actually kickstarted a real NHL hockey team?
The Mighty Ducks sure can and are the only movie that can have that claim to fame.
The Mighty Ducks, tells the emotionally charged story of arrogant Minneapolis defence attorney Gordon Bombay who has to coach the local minor hockey team as part of his community service sentence.
Under his wing, the young players have to learn everything from scratch. While teaching him a valuable life lesson, as he finds himself rediscovering his passion for the sport. The movie has become a cult classic and has even led to Disney founding the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim NHL team in 1993 – renamed to Anaheim Ducks in 2006.
Slap Shot (1977)
Paul Newman stars in this movie about a coach of a small-town minor league hockey team, and Michael Ontkean (of Twin Peaks fame) as their star player. It blends their story with the surrounding circumstances.
The film kicks off with the news that 10,000 workers at the local mill are going to lose their jobs and follows the impact that this has on the hockey team. This 1977 was not much of a box office hit when it was first released. But has since gained a cult status in cinema history.
What really makes it stand out is its focus on an almost cartoonish kind of violence that the players resort to in the rink in the hopes of bringing in more viewers and securing their team’s existence. Unsurprisingly, the film holds an 83% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a smashing 89% in terms of audience score.
Mystery, Alaska (1999)
Another hockey film that offers a great blend of comedy and drama, Mystery, Alaska focuses on the fictional small town of Mystery, located somewhere in Alaska, where hockey is one of the most important activities, binding the small community together. Every Saturday, locals rush to the open pond to see their peers compete in a hockey match.
This tradition gained so much publicity after a Sports Illustrated article. The team gets invited to compete against the New York Rangers in an exhibition game. Featuring a star-studded cast that includes Russel Crowe and Burt Reynolds. The movie is in part so beloved precisely because it successfully showcases what hockey means to thousands of fans worldwide.
Just like cinema, hockey unites fans worldwide – so if you want to combine your two passions, you can’t go wrong with any of these movies. I’d also like to give a special mention to Goon as I feel as though it should be mentioned. Fun, frantic and incredible! A must-watch amongst this list of hockey movies too!
So what are you waiting for?! Get your skates on and go and check out any of the three recommended hockey movies that we have included above!
Is there one that we’ve missed off the list that you absolutely adore? Leave a comment below!
