NHL releases This Is Hockey series
November 19, 2024
The National Hockey League (NHL) has announced the release of This Is Hockey, an original series featuring the growth of hockey in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Jamaica, Mexico, and Puerto Rico, seven unexpected places where hockey is thriving.
All episodes are now available to watch globally, in multiple languages. Viewers can stream in Canada on Prime Video (English and French captions), in the US on ESPN+ (English and Spanish), and on YouTube.com/NHL for the rest of the world (English, Spanish, and ’Brazil’ episode also offered in Portuguese.) ESPN Deportes will also air all episodes.
“This series takes us on a journey where hockey fans probably didn’t know the game was even played. It is so awesome to see the passion for hockey in places like South America and the Caribbean,” said Steve Mayer, President, NHL Content and Events. “We want to showcase how hockey is thriving and becoming embedded in so many different cultures. It is our hope that this series will shine a light on these burgeoning hockey communities and encourage more individuals and organizations to pursue their hockey dreams, wherever they live.”
The places and countries chosen for this series have competed in the Amiergol LATAM Cup, a tournament hosted by the Florida Panthers and supported financially by the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund. This year’s LATAM Cup featured 52 teams and more than 1,100 players representing 17 countries, including Argentina, Armenia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, Greece, Israel, Lebanon, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Venezuela.
“The places and countries selected for This is Hockey were communities that could effectively tell their stories revolving around their budding hockey cultures, hopes and plans to build their own ice rinks, and others that are slightly more established in the ice hockey world, showcasing how they did it in non-traditional markets and the goals they continue to strive for,” said Rob Knesaurek, NHL Senior Vice President for Community Development & Industry Growth. “Through inspiring stories and immersive footage, viewers will witness the passion and determination of players, coaches, and fans as they evolve the sport within their local communities.”