When Disney, the parent corporation of both ESPN and ABC, revealed last year that they would be taking over the NHL‘s broadcast rights, fans of the fastest game on Earth celebrated. With the playoffs approaching and divisional rankings on the line, fans have more opportunities than ever to enjoy one of the greatest sports ever invented. Here are the seven finest hockey movies to keep you occupied in between periods to help you get ready for all the forthcoming frozen-biscuit action.
1. Goon (2011)
Director- Michael Dowse
Doug Glatt, dissatisfied with his job as a bouncer at a local Beantown club and a source of humiliation to his well-to-do family. He wishes to emulate minor-league hockey goon Ross Rhea’s success. When Doug easily wins a brutal fist brawl with an on-ice thug, the Halifax Highlanders’ coach sees potential in this mammoth-sized man who is only limited by his lack of hockey ability and his brother’s outdated figure skates. Doug gets to join the team despite the ridicule of the other players. With the help of his hockey-crazed best friend, he swiftly rises to the top. He’ll have the chance to square off against Ross “The Boss” Rhea soon, and possibly land a girlfriend in the process. All he has to do now is figure out how to skate.
2. Miracle (2004)
Director- Gavin O’Connor
Herb Brooks is the coach of the United States Ice Hockey team. He has faced the famed Soviet Union juggernaut at the 1980 Olympic Games with a ragged roster of college youngsters. Despite the high odds, Team USA carried the pride of a country in need of a break from the news. With the entire world watching, the squad rose to the occasion, prompting presenter Al Michaels to ask the now-famous question: “Do you believe in miracles?” to the millions watching at home. Yes! It’s a moving narrative of a squad that went beyond their sport to bring a fresh sense of optimism to a nation.
3. Slap Shot (1977)
Director- George Hill Roy
The Charlestown Chiefs, a poor minor-league ice hockey team from Pennsylvania, are in the midst of a long losing streak as the season draws to a close. But, refusing to give up, the club’s veteran coach, Reggie Dunlop, enlists the support of the club’s newest players, the fearless Hanson Brothers, who specialise in foul play, under those conditions. Now that the Chiefs have been resurrected, its top player, Ned Braden, insists on playing fairly and refuses to goon it up.
4. Mystery, Alaska (1999)
Director- Jay Roach
Hockey is a source of pride and joy in the small Alaskan hamlet of Mystery. When reporter Charles Danner returns to New York after a long absence and talks with Mayor Scott Pitcher. Danner suggests a live broadcast challenge match versus the New York Rangers. Captain (and town sheriff) John Biebe warns that the Rangers are a professional squad, and that this could cause more harm to Mystery than good. The challenge is accepted in spite of this.
5. Youngblood (1986)
Director- Peter Markle
Dean Youngblood, a New York farmer’s kid, is a natural at the national sport of Canada, ice hockey. The future appears bright for him after being selected for the Canadian Hamilton Mustangs; even his landlady is a hottie. He develops feelings for Murray Chadwick’s daughter Jessie, which creates a potentially perilous situation. Unfortunately, his excellent approach has one flaw: it is virtually impervious to brutality. Racki’s hallmark is to take it out on Dean and his team mentor Derek Sutton because he didn’t get his team slot.
6. The Mighty Ducks (1992)
Director- Stephen Herek
Gordon Bombay, a promising lawyer, is haunted by boyhood memories of losing the game and his coach’s approval after scoring the game-winning goal in a shootout. Gordon is first apprehensive about coaching a peewee hockey team, the league’s poorest, after being charged with drunk driving. However, he soon earns the kids’ respect and teaches them how to win, earning a sponsor along the way and naming the team The Ducks. They play Gordon’s old squad, coached by Gordon’s previous coach, in the finals, allowing Gordon the opportunity to confront past ghosts.
