Movies Based on Hockey

If you are a true hockey fan, you probably enjoy seeking out movies on the sport to add to your collection because you simply can't get enough of the action. There are a wide variety of flicks to satisfy your desire to be on the ice, while providing you with the excitement, heartache, suspense and drama of the game. Whether you enjoy a good comedy or prefer a realistic tragedy, there is something for everyone.

One of the most popular comedy movie series about hockey is "The Mighty Ducks." The original was released in October 1992. The story follows former star hockey player Gordon Bombay (Emilio Estevez), who is now an egocentric lawyer. Ironically, he goes to court after being stopped for drinking and driving. As part of his restitution, Judge George Coe (Judge Weathers) orders Bombay to coach a peewee hockey team. Irritated at first, Bombay nonetheless sets out to make the team he calls The Ducks a winning team. Throughout the film, he confronts his past, gets close to the boys, and gives back to the community. "The Mighty Ducks" is an excellent film for the whole family that teaches the importance of teamwork and the joys of hockey. Those who enjoy the film should also enjoy "D2" and "D3: The Mighty Ducks" sequels.

If you are looking for a realistic drama about hockey, "The Rhino Brothers" is the story of one young man's struggle on the way to play in the professional hockey league. Stefan Kanachowski (Curtis Bechdholt) returns home after playing in the minors. His family doesn't say much to him because they assume he will follow in the path of his older brother Sasha (William MacDonald), who also played in the minors before returning home. Stefan is determined to be more than his brother, who still lives at home and spends the majority of his days drinking. Through the love and support of his mother Ellen (Gabrielle Rose), Stefan overcomes his older brother's jealousy and rises to the top. The film was released in July 2002.

"Youngblood" is a dramatic story that features the heartthrob boys of the '80s, Rob Lowe and Patrick Swayze. Released in 1986, "Youngblood" introduces us to a seventeen-year-old farm boy Dean Youngblood (Rob Lowe), who dreams of playing in the NHL. His father Blane (Eric Nesterenko) believes he should stay home, help with the farm, and give up his dreams. Dean's older brother Kelly (Jim Youngs) convinces their dad to let Dean try out for a Canadian team. Through a series of scuffles with other players in the league, Dean wonders if he has what it takes to make it after all. This film is about winning, heartbreak, and the determination it takes to reach your dreams.

No list of hockey movies would be complete without the 1977 comedy "Slap Shot," starring Paul Newman as Reggie Dunlop. The movie is about a minor league hockey team so determined to win-to prevent the team from being sold-they turn to violent game play. After a long season of winning, the team gets the attention of the NFL; scouts are sent to watch the championship game. In spite of turning the team into a lucrative moneymaker, the owner Anita McCambridge (Kathryn Walker) vows to fold it and take a tax write off. Dunlop (Newman) is furious with the situation. After winning the championship, he is given a shot at manager of the Minnesota Nighthawks and vows to take the team with him. This exciting drama is ideal for those who like the thrill and violence of the sport.

If you prefer a feel-good movie about hope and inspiration, "Miracle" is based on a true story-the 1980 US Olympic hockey team and their win over the USSR. Kurt Russell, who plays Coach Herb Brooks, delivers a heart-warming performance in this tale about victory, the cold war, trusting in miracles and providing hope to a nation when all the odds are against you. This film is an excellent choice for families. It was released in 2004 by Disney.

Sports films help take you behind the action and give you a peak into the lives of those who play and coach the game. You can also get a feel for what the families of players go through. With a wide variety of hockey films to choose from, you can fill up your shelves and enjoy every genre during the off season, which can tide you over until your favorite team hits the ice again.