There are a lot of TV shows out there and in this golden age of TV streaming, the choices have never been greater. So how do you cut through the noise and find the “Best of” for any chosen topic? Well, we’re here to help celebrate and shine a spotlight on some of the latest, greatest and unforgettable shows through the years. For our ongoing series of articles depicting the best sport-themed TV shows, our attention this time turns to hockey and ice hockey. From gripping docu-series dramas to simple Korean dramas, there’s a whole array of hockey content here to whet your appetite. Of course, if we’ve missed any of your favourites feel free to comment below and we’ll get them added on!
The Hockey Girls
Netflix Original The Hockey Girls is a 13 episode sport series that balances action on the pitch with slice of life drama off of it. Well written and full of memorable moments, the series certainly leaves the prospect of a follow-up on the cards. The story revolves around seven young roller hockey players and their new coach as they fight to save the female section of their club, Pati Minerva. A lot of this drama begins with German, their former coach, leaving to join rival team Olimpic. When she does, the club president deliberates over whether to disband the team completely. Across the season, the show follows this drama with hockey players Berta, Emma, Laila, Lorena, Raquel and Flor. Each of the girls are given a compelling arc too, making for a compelling, character-driven series.
Lance et Compte
Lance et Compete is a fictional story revolving around the National Hockey League, and specifically the team Le National who hail from Quebec City. The central star here is Pierre Lambert who plays up the young, good looking player drafted in from the Trois-Rivieres Dragons junior team. Split across two seasons, the first looks at Lambert adapting to the pro level and juggling his career with romance. The second changes focus slightly to the World Cup of Hockey. The third and final series looks at injuries, and specifically an injury to Lambert that throws big question marks over his future with the club. As a gritty look at what happens behind the scenes in Hockey, Lance et Compete is definitely worth a watch.
Hockey Wives
Hockey Wives is another of those “Real Housewives of” type shows but this time hones in on the wives and girlfriends of hockey stars. The usual swathe of drama and soapy antics ensue, but it’s also one that taps into that lucrative spot of a reality TV guilty pleasure. There’s also no denying the popularity of this one. Following the series premiere in March 2015, Hockey Wives quickly became the most watched series on W Network that year, with record ratings and three seasons to boot. It won’t be for everyone but for those it is for, there’s enough here to enjoy.
Benders
Benders is another of those average sitcoms that never quite gets going. Comedy is of course subjective, which explains why this 8 episode series finds a place on this list. The series gravitates around a group of male friends whose lives revolve entirely around their hockey obsession. Although they’re not graced with the best skills, their passion is enough to propel them into the local men’s amateur hockey league. While they slug it out, the men also deal with everyday problems that could impact their involvement in “The Chubbys”. It’s not perfect but there are some good chuckles to be had. Comedy lovers should be in their element.
Béliveau
Béliveau is a biographical drama that recounts famous hockey player Jean Béliveau’s life. This miniseries looks back at the pivotal moments of this man’s career, including his debuts in Quebec with the Citadelles and his role as captain for the Montreal Canadiens. Considered one of the greatest hockey players of all time, Béliveau does well to depict the life of this man, with some decent acting and well-paced episodes. This is one biographical drama that should please hockey fans.
Puck
Puck is a 2 part Korean drama, with each episode clocking in at the usual 67 minute run-time. While it does take some liberties with the ice hockey sections, it’s undeniably a fun watch. The series revolves around a man named Joon-Man who’s forced to work for a gang boss thanks to his ex-wife’s debt. As it turns out, it’s fallen on him to pay this off. Despite his warm personality, Joon-Man gets to work as a loan shark. In order to get money back from the ice hockey coach, he’s forced to join their team. With a strong message and some nice drama dotted throughout, Puck! is a real hidden gem in this category.
Hockey: A People’s History
If you’re looking for the definitive history of ice hockey in documentary format – look no further. Hockey: A People’s History is a comprehensive and well documented look at this sport, with specific emphasis on its impact on founding country Canada. The show not only looks at how the game started but also offers up a lot of facts around how it has succeeded over time. Elements here includes the European development of ice hockey, wartime sport and even female leagues too. The documentary leaves no stone unturned and it’s all the stronger for it.
Legends of Hockey
If Hockey: A People’s History is the documentary series about the game as a whole, Legends of Hockey then is the definitive guide to the players. This docu-series looks at the sporting legends that have helped shape ice hockey into such a prolific game. Each episode features a litany of different players, although much like A People’s History, this one too looks at the evolving nature of the sport. With two seasons and five episodes a piece, Legends of Hockey definitely has a lot going for it and should please fans. So, there we have it, our picks for the best TV shows through the years about hockey/ice hockey! What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!
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