A Rangers fan’s list of Top 10 hockey movies to watch this summer
Everyone has a love or hate relationships with films based off of sports especially hockey. We know what the real thing looks like which makes our expectations high from our critical eye as spectators and entertainment lovers. These are my Top 10 Hockey Films Ranked and you should try and watch them this summer.
1. Slap Shot (1977)
Classic! This film perfectly captures the grit and hardcore physicality of hockey before all the changes that we’re familiar with today. I love the sarcasm, humor and overall feel of the film. You know when you press play that you’re in for the laughs and for hell of a ride.
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2. Youngblood (1986)
The best way to explain this film is Slap Shot, Miracle and The Rocket entwined. You wanted to swing the punches, skate faster and touch the dream. It gives you the vision of a rookie fighting for his prime. If you appreciate the 80’s momentum, you’ll appreciate this movie.
[su_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dn6wNEv7M2w”]
3. The Rocket (2005)
You get to experience the rollercoaster of Maurice Richard’s journey to making the National Hockey League. He’s a cultural icon for Canada and one of the Top Pioneers of hockey. It’s amazing to see the start of Richard’s dream be made into a reality through the duration of the film from the fire in his heart. The film triggers your need to get up from what you’re doing and follow your inspiration.
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4. The Mighty Ducks (1992) [1&2… let’s forget about the third film]
These films made everyone in their childhood want to take on the sport of hockey! You learned the basics of sportsmanship, being a team and the will to make plays happen. Everyone wanted to lace up regardless of their experience level to take on the ice.
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5. Miracle (2004)
I Believe! This film captured the true-story challenges Herb Brooks faced with producing a worthy team to compete for gold through development camp and coaching techniques translating into playing style on the ice. This film tackled the need to believe in American patriotism during a time of uncertainty which makes the film powerful. The portrayal of Herb Brooks showed a coach who knew what the team needed to achieve and didn’t mind pushing the limit to make sure the players were onboard for the W at the end of the line. The best Coach portrayal in all hockey films!
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6. Goon (2011)
“You’ve been touched by the fist of God…” Goon is fantastic for its crude humor and embracing your inner brute. I enjoy the aspect of having a designated enforcer when dirty plays aren’t caught by the refs. Glatt makes sure to lay their opponents out for his teammates displaying the importance of having their back.
[su_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dEUXY3yhHU”]
7. Ice Guardians (2016)
This documentary gives you the opportunity of hearing the inside stories of players who have lived the life and the elements of the industry not discussed on the regular. The film also challenges you to locate your personal position for the role of an enforcer in the NHL. I’m for it, by the way.
[su_youtube url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BzqIoa5z8gs”]
8. Hockey Night (1984)
This film highlights that skill and athleticism should be the factors that decide who makes the team. I enjoyed the fact that Cathy, the main character, was able to make the team from her skill set and gain support of her peers as a young female playing for her high school’s boys hockey team after facing challenges that could have discouraged her spirit as a player.
9. Sticks and Stones (2008)
The film captures the rivalry of pee-wee hockey teams, the Americans and Canadiens, competing in a tournament after a rough experience the year prior. You can see the usual rivalry from American and Canadian teams competing for bragging rights as the final telling sign of which is the better team.
10. Mystery, Alaska (1999)
It would be a dream if the New York Rangers came into town and wanted to lace up against your team. This unrealistic scenario captures your attention for the fact you want to see what happens when NHL elite challenges a small-town team on their home river.
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