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Stocking Stuffers for Hockey
Fans
Top 10 Hockey Movies of All-Time
| 12/16/13 - By Ray Hartjen -
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The holidays are a stressful time, and finding the
perfect gifts for the hockey fan in your life isn't easy. And while game
tickets and team sweaters are good for under the tree, don't fall risk for
getting five for fighting by neglecting the stocking. Movies are perfect
stocking stuffers, and hockey fans can scratch their hockey itch all year long
with a little planning and foresight. To that end, here's the (almost)
definitive list of the top ten hockey movies of all time. All that's missing is
popcorn and cold Kokanee beer.
1. Mystery, Alaska (1999)
A
star studded ensemble cast and a story line about the game, not a game, and the
thread it weaves through the fabric of a small town. It's the perfect hockey
movie. Look for Mike Myers as a Don Cherry-esque television analyst ("… a
big heart and a bag full of knuckles").
2. Miracle (2004)
A sound argument can be made this story of the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team
deserves the top spot. No real argument - let's call it 1A. Kurt Russell
somehow pulls off the role of Herb Brooks, and the movie plays hard and fast to
the facts. Miracle is a top-notch film, even for the few people out there who
don't love hockey.
3. Slap Shot (1977)
Paul Newman stars
as player/coach Reg Dunlop and the world gets introduced to the legendary
Hanson Brothers, leading to cultural icon status north of the border. This
movie is a timeless classic, and one best enjoyed with a cold six pack.
"Puttin' on the foil."
4. Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
I know what you're thinking, and you're wrong. Alan Ruck, in the role of
Cameron, wears a Gordie Howe #9 Detroit Red Wings sweater for almost the entire
movie. We're talking Mr. Hockey. That makes it a hockey movie. Plus, the list
would be pretty short if not for a very liberal application of "hockey movie"
criteria.
5. Clerks (1994)
Here we go again - Brian
O'Halloran, starring in the role of Dante, doesn't want to work, mostly because
he has a hockey game in the afternoon. Remember? Thus, it is assuredly a hockey
movie. They end up playing the game on top of the roof at the store. A great
one camera, black and white film, where I'm certain beer was the single largest
line item expense on the budget.
6. Hockey Mom (2004)
This
movie is also marketed as Chicks with Sticks, a much better title that conjures
all sorts of promising imagery. Alas, the movie is about the complete opposite
of those fantasies, providing all the reason needed for a quick, merciless
death at the box office. Sure there is a human interest story - single mom,
squabbling family, pending house foreclosure, etc. - but the straw that stirs
this drink is hockey. A movie definitely wronged by the Academy.
7.
Goon (2011)
Seann William Scott, perhaps best known for his Stifler
role in the American Pie series, plays Doug Glatt, a hockey fan and all-around
nice guy who turns into the game's most formidable enforcer. It's a different
spin from the "hooker with a heart of gold" storyline of Julia Roberts' Pretty
Woman and seemingly every Broadway play of note.
8. The Mighty Ducks (1992)
Of course it's
ridiculous - it's a kids' movie for crying out loud, and you go into it knowing
it's going to be sappy and sugary sweet. But, if I didn't put this on the list,
there would be an open slot for Rob Lowe's Youngblood and nobody wants that.
9. The Cutting Edge (1992)
D.B. Sweeney is injured in an
Olympic hockey game, putting his NHL dreams on ice. Moira Kelly is a figure
skater who goes through partners like Taylor Swift. Naturally, they get
together to form a mixed pairs team, practice all the time, fall in love, and
dream of skating glory. This makes the list solely for one line - "Toe pick."
10. Untamed Heart (1993)
Okay, you're definitely right
this time. Christian Slater flick. Enough said, right? Not so fast. The flick
co-stars a fresh-from-her-Oscar Marissa Tomei. Christian catches a puck shot
into the stands during a North Stars game. This makes the list primarily as a
fitting tribute to Marissa for her stellar work in The Wrestler - You're
welcome, Marissa, and no, thank you.
Contact Ray at
rayhartjen@letsgosharks.com
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