Hockeyland Debuts in Theaters Next Week

(KNSI) – An award-winning documentary on Minnesota’s favorite sport hits theaters on September 9th.

Hockeyland is a story of four seniors playing on rival teams, the Eveleth-Gilbert Golden Bears and the Hermantown Hawks. Executive Producer Andrew Sherburne says those who have played the game will understand the pressure to leave a legacy for the next generation. He says there is plenty that resonates with those who haven’t laced up a pair of skates for their school as well.

“But for those people who maybe didn’t play hockey, I think it’s a window into a culture that is completely unique in this country. The way Minnesota does hockey, it’s not done anywhere else.”

Hockeyland was released on the festival circuit last year to great critical acclaim. Several reviewers say it is hockey’s equivalent of Friday Night Lights.

Sherburne says it is the culmination of what is perhaps an unintentional trilogy.

“We did a film called Pond Hockey back in 2008. And then another film about the 1960 US gold medal team called Forgotten Miracle. I think it’s a trilogy. I think this is our greatest hockey achievement if we’re lucky.”

Sherburne says his documentary crew is only three people but are making a name for themselves in the industry. Their film Saving Brinton was featured on PBS. Pond Hockey was shown on ESPN.