MR. HOCKEY airs Sunday April 28 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) on CBC Television
The inspirational MR. HOCKEY: THE GORDIE HOWE STORY tells the tale of hockey legend Gordie Howe’s epic return to the ice to play with his sons. Airing Sunday, April 28 at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT) on CBC Television, MR. HOCKEY depicts the Howe family as they prepare for a comeback that has been labeled “the biggest publicity stunt in hockey history.”
MR. HOCKEY stars Canadian actor Michael Shanks (Stargate SG-1, Saving Hope) as Gordie Howe. Hamilton native, film and television actress Kathleen Robertson (Boss, 90210) plays the compelling role of Gordie’s wife and manager, Colleen Howe. Gordie’s son Marty Howe is played by former prospective professional hockey player and actor Dylan Playfair; Playfair’s real-life roommate, actor Andy Herr, plays the role of younger brother Mark Howe.
The film follows the captivating tale of Gordie Howe, undoubtedly one of the most beloved and iconic professional hockey stars of his era, as he returns to the rink for the chance to play pro hockey alongside his sons Mark and Marty. Viewers will get the chance to witness Gordie’s attempt to fulfill his lifelong dream, as he and the boys are selected to play for the Houston Aeros in the fledgling WHA league. Set in the 1970s, the movie explores themes surrounding family, dreams, pride, and of course, Canada’s most popular game—hockey. Fans won’t be able to stop themselves from cheering for the Howe boys to bring home the Cup.
Joining Michael Shanks and Kathleen Robertson is Lochlyn Munro (Charmed, 21 Jump Street) as Bobby Hull; Emma Grabinsky (Knockout) as Cathy Howe; Graham Mayes (The Plague) as Murray Howe; and Martin Cummings (Poltergeist) as Bill Dineen.
In addition to the challenge of playing real people, the actors had to be prepared to play hockey like the Howes. Overseeing the hockey action was hockey consultant Billy Keane.
MR. HOCKEY: THE GORDIE HOWE STORY was produced by Brightlight Pictures Inc. and Inferno Pictures Inc., in association with CBC, with the participation of the Canadian Media Fund, Manitoba Film and Music, and the assistance of the Government of Manitoba.
For more behind-the-scenes footage and exclusive content, visit CBC LIVE at cbc.ca/live. Follow CBC Live on Twitter at twitter.com/cbclive and on Facebook at facebook.com/cbclive.
About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching Canadians on new platforms and delivers a comprehensive range of radio, television, Internet, and satellite-based services. Deeply rooted in the regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages.
- 30 -
About CBC’s New In-House Publicity Team
CBC’s new team of in-house publicists are delivering a comprehensive publicity service for all CBC programming and events. For a complete list of publicity contacts and for more information including series synopses, press releases, hi-res images, video clips and bios, please visit the new CBC Media Centre at cbc.ca/mediacentre.
For more information, please contact:
Erin Richards, entertainment publicist, CBC
Erin.Richards@CBC.CA 416 205 7994 (office) / 416 627 5728 (mobile)
