Ahhh hockey. Our national pastime. A Song of Biscuits on Ice. The seasons may come and go and your favourite players may end up traded, but there’s one thing that’s eternal: Canadians will always, always love hockey.
With hockey season starting, take a look at some classic hockey films we’ve made over the years. If you like one of ’em, download it for just $0.99! The sale ends October 21!
The Sweater
The Sweater, Sheldon Cohen, provided by the National Film Board of Canada
Sheldon Cohen‘s animated adaption of The Hockey Sweater recounts the mortifying story of a young Habs (and Rocket Richard!) fan who is mistakenly sent a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey from Eaton’s—and even worse—is forced to wear it! Fun fact: Wayne Gretzky used to read the book to his children!
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The Rocket
For enthusiasts, this one’s for you! Take a waltz through hockey history with Jacques Payette‘s doc about Maurice “The Rocket” Richard and his legendary career with the Habs. The film uses archival game footage and interviews from the 1940s and 50s to highlight why Richard was known as “the most exciting player…ever seen” on ice.
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Such a Simple Game
Such a Simple Game, Gilles Groulx, provided by the National Film Board of Canada
In 1955, Maurice Richard was suspended for the remainder of the 1954-55 NHL season (and playoffs) after he struck a linesman during a game. Afterward, hockey fans in Montreal took to the streets in protest and the riot began. Go behind the scenes of that night with Gilles Groulx‘s doc that chronicles the events and fallout of the famed Richard Riot.
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Just Another Job
Just Another Job, Pierre Letarte, provided by the National Film Board of Canada
In 1972 the Québec Nordiques (coached by Maurice Richard) played their very first games in the World Hockey Association. Here’s your chance to travel back in time and experience the pre-game tension and exhilaration with Pierre Letarte‘s doc.
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HA’Aki
HA’Aki, Iriz Pääbo, provided by the National Film Board of Canada
Filmmaker Iriz Pääbo admitted she’s not a huge fan of hockey, but the attraction and energy of the game inspired her to create an abstract-impressionist film where music and animation merged into a new genre of animation: an animbit.
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