Fill the Void for Hockey Fans

Written by Kirk Baird

The NHL strike continues. Here are five hockey films to keep your patrons going until the puck tips again.

Mystery, Alaska (1999): Jay Roach (Austin Powers, Meet the Parents) directs Russell Crowe, Hank Azaria, Mary McCormack, and Burt Reynolds in this comedy-drama about a small-town hockey team given the opportunity to play a NHL squad.

The Mighty Ducks (1992): Emilio Estevez stars in this Bad News Bears on ice comedy about a ragtag boys’ hockey team and the lawyer turned coach who helps them go from chumps to champs, and thus a franchise was born.

Goon (2011): In this overlooked comedy, Seann William Scott plays a good-natured though none-too-bright enforcer for a struggling minor league hockey team whose physical play helps turn their fortunes around.

Slap Shot (1977): Paul Newman shows off his comic chops in this wickedly funny and biting comedy about a coach for a struggling minor league hockey team who turns to three goons to generate local interest in the team.

Miracle (2004): The riveting true story of the “Miracle on Ice” 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team’s impossible victory over the heavily favoured Soviets, with Kurt Russell as the man, coach Herb Brooks, who inspired them.