Shaftesbury and Sphere Animation, in partnership with the National Hockey League (NHL®) and Boat Rocker Studios, have announced a new 26 x 11-minute animated action-adventure series, Screech Owls, re-imagined for a global audience. Executive produced by NHL All-Star P.K. Subban, and currently in production in Toronto, Screech Owls is set to launch Fall 2027 in English on CBC and Winter 2028 in French on Radio-Canada and TFO (Télévision française de l'Ontario). The NHL has exclusive distribution rights within the United States and Nordics. Boat Rocker Studios has exclusive distribution rights for the rest of the world, excluding Canada.
Based on Roy MacGregor’s acclaimed book series of the same name, and the 2001 live action series produced by Shaftesbury (YTV/Discovery Kids), Screech Owls follows a team of young hockey players who are swept into a world of hidden clues, high-tech villains and impossible missions. John May and Suzanne Bolch return as head writers for the new series designed as a multi-platform franchise with plans to extend beyond television and books into interactive gaming, consumer products, and global licensing.
PWHL star Sarah Nurse is also making a cameo as herself and the series will feature additional guest stars, to be announced at a later date.
“A major focus of my career has been finding new ways to grow the game and reach young, diverse audiences with positive role models and Screech Owls, a series I grew up reading, does both," said P.K. Subban, Star (“Coach P.K.”) and Executive Producer. "Hockey teaches character, leadership, and teamwork. You don’t need to know what 'offside' means to watch Screech Owls - you just have to love globe-trotting kids solving mysteries, working together, and having a blast." [Additional executive commentary below]
From jewel heists in Vancouver to mind-control plots in Montreal, no mystery is too strange - or too dangerous - for the Screech Owls hockey team. Guided by their larger-than-life leader, Coach P.K., they rely on courage, quick thinking and trust in one another to stay one step ahead and save the day, while somehow making it home in time for their next game. When duty calls, the team GEARS-UP in specially designed suits that amplify their natural abilities and unlock powerful new possibilities. Through their signature “Power Pulses,” the Screech Owls can outpace pursuers, break through obstacles, repel incoming threats and turn everyday objects into ingenious crime-fighting tools.
The Screech Owls:
- NEELA (voiced by Ana Sani) The courageous, can-do captain. Her powerful, accurate shot always comes in handy. Power Pulse ability: stick charges her hardest shot.
- ISHKODE (voiced by Joshua Odjick) The silver-tongued, charismatic forward. His super speed is his greatest asset. Power Pulse ability: suit sparks a burst of speed and dexterity.
- CAMILLE (voiced by Erika Prevost) The curious, direct goalie and the team’s tech expert. Her deflection ability can shield the team from almost any incoming object. Power Pulse ability: gloves energize objects into projectiles.
- TREVOR (voiced by returning Screech Owls star Jonathan Malen) The brains-and-brawn defenceman. His size and strength make him an immovable force when danger closes in. Power Pulse ability: suit powers through barriers, baddies and anything standing in the team’s way.
Additional Executive Commentary:
"Screech Owls is being built as a true multi-platform franchise, reimagining a beloved Canadian story for a whole new generation with adventure, mystery, and heart," said Christina Jennings, Chairman and President, Shaftesbury. "Partnering with Sphere, CBC/Radio-Canada, Boat Rocker Studios, and the NHL allows us to expand this universe globally, while having P.K. Subban on board adds an incredible layer of authenticity and energy."
“This gem of a series is just what kids need right now - Screech Owls wraps friendship, teamwork and sport in a lighthearted and uplifting animated version of Canada,” said Marie McCann, Senior Director, Children’s Content, CBC Kids. “It’s an honour to collaborate with P.K. Subban on this fresh adaptation of the classic Canadian books, which will no doubt captivate a new generation of young audiences with the perfect mix of mysteries and hockey.”
“Radio-Canada is thrilled to offer young audiences Screech Owls, a series packed with mystery and humour that is sure to delight them. Having someone as inspiring and devoted to young people as P.K. Subban on board makes this project even stronger, conveying fantastic values of courage, perseverance, and teamwork,” said Christiane Asselin, Executive Director, Streaming Services, Youth Programming and Digital Sports, Radio-Canada.
“The NHL is reimagining how hockey reaches, inspires and entertains youth and families,” said David Lehanski, NHL Executive Vice President, Innovation & Growth Strategy. “With Screech Owls we have a unique opportunity to meet kids where they are -- through high-energy storytelling, adventure and characters they can connect with -- while showcasing hockey’s best attributes in a way kids will love and parents will appreciate.”
“Animation gives us the opportunity to expand the world of Screech Owls in exciting new ways,” said Bruno Dubé, CEO & Executive Producer Sphere. “Our team is focused on creating a visually distinctive series that captures the spirit of the original books while bringing a fresh cinematic scale and energy to the screen.”
Shaftesbury and Sphere Animation produce Screech Owls in association with CBC, Radio-Canada and TFO with the participation of the Canada Media Fund, Shaw Rocket Fund, Ontario Creates, IPF Fund, Refundable Tax Credit for Québec Film and Television Production (for local/regional productions) and the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit. Worldwide distribution rights are held by Shaftesbury Sales Company, the NHL and Boat Rocker Studios, positioning the franchise for broad international reach. John May and Suzanne Bolch return as Head Writers and Suren Perera is directing. Executive Producers are P.K. Subban; Christina Jennings, Scott Garvie and Jay Bennett from Shaftesbury. For CBC, Sally Catto is General Manager, Entertainment; Marie McCann is Senior Director, Children’s Content, CBC Kids; and Swin Chang is Executive in Charge of Development and Production, CBC Kids. For Radio-Canada, Sophie Morasse is General Manager, Entertainment, Sports and TOU.TV; Christiane Asselin is Executive Director, Streaming Services, Youth Programming and Digital Sports; and Nathalie Chamberland is Director, Youth Programming. The series is produced by Jennifer McCann for Shaftesbury and Marianne Culbert for Sphere Animation.
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About Shaftesbury:
Awarded Production Company of the Year in 2025 by Playback, Shaftesbury is an award-winning creator and producer of original content, founded by Christina Jennings, Chairman and President. For more than three decades, the company has been at the forefront of Canadian screen-based storytelling, building internationally successful series and franchises that reach audiences worldwide. Shaftesbury’s productions include the globally acclaimed drama Murdoch Mysteries, now filming its 20th season, and Hudson & Rex, both airing in over 120 countries. Shaftesbury’s portfolio spans scripted drama, comedy, and genre programming, including the horror anthology Slasher and its latest instalment Hell Motel, the international thriller Departure which went to #1 on Netflix in 40 countries, the Irish-Canadian co-production SisterS, and Irish Blood, Acorn TV’s highest-rated series, Brooke Shield’s mystery-comedy series You’re Killing Me and the dark crime drama The Borderline. Upcoming projects include the Crave comedy series Slo Pitch, and Granville Girls, a newly announced Netflix series.
About Sphere Animation:
Sphere Animation, a Sphere Media’s company, is one of Canada's largest and most respected 2D digital animation studios. Backed by world-class talent, strong production infrastructure and a remarkable track record of more than two decades, the studio delivers premium animation for the fast-growing global market.
Sphere Animation has contributed to many acclaimed productions including Curious George, Arthur and F Is for Family. The studio is also known for its original creations, such as Red Ketchup, Riley Rocket, Chop Chop Ninja, ToonMarty, My Goldfish Is Evil! and Ben's City.
Sphere Media, one of Canada's leading television, film and animation companies, engages audiences with its drama series, comedies, documentaries, game & variety shows, magazine programs and 2D animated series, reaching diverse audiences through major broadcasters and platforms in Canada and around the world. Among its major productions are Aller simple, Quel talent!, LA Question, Anticosti and Belle et Bum in French, as well as Transplant, Small Achievable Goals, Sort Of, Wayward and This Summer Will Be Different, currently filming in Prince Edward Island and set to be released on Netflix.
Sphere Media is also a leader in international distribution content with its ownership with Bell Media in Sphere Abacus.
With offices in Montreal, Toronto, and London, Sphere Media provides the production support and expertise that helps Sphere Animation deliver world-class animated content to audiences worldwide.
About the NHL:
Founded in 1917, the National Hockey League (NHL®) consists of 32 Member Clubs and is widely recognized as the premier professional hockey league in the world. The NHL entertains and inspires fans globally through live games, innovative media and digital experiences, and compelling storytelling that showcases the sport's best players competing for the Stanley Cup, the most prestigious trophy in professional sports.
The NHL is committed to strengthening communities and growing the game through initiatives that promote inclusion, accessibility, and opportunity for all. For more information, visit NHL.com.
About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada's national public broadcaster. Through our mandate to inform, enlighten and entertain, we play a central role in strengthening Canadian culture. As Canada's trusted news source, we offer a uniquely Canadian perspective on news, current affairs and world affairs. Our distinctively homegrown entertainment and sports programming draws audiences from across the country. Deeply rooted in communities, CBC/Radio-Canada offers diverse content in English, French and eight Indigenous languages: Dëne Sųłıné, Dene Kǝdǝ́, Dene Zhatıé, Eastern Cree, Dinjii Zhuʼ Ginjik, Inuktitut, Inuvialuktun and Tłı̨chǫ. We also deliver content in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Punjabi and Tagalog, as well as both official languages, through Radio Canada International (RCI). We are leading the transformation to meet the needs of Canadians in a digital world.
About Boat Rocker Studios
An independent, integrated global entertainment company, Boat Rocker Studios’ mission is to create and own premium content, build a world-class library of IP and deliver unmatched expertise in the curation and distribution of entertainment from creators worldwide to audiences everywhere. With offices around the world, Boat Rocker Studios brings end-to-end creative expertise, robust business operations, and global franchise capabilities across Scripted, Unscripted, Documentary, Kids & Family and Animation content. A selection of Boat Rocker Studios’ projects includes Bet (Netflix), Mix Tape (BBC, Binge, RTE), The Ridge (BBC Scotland, Sky New Zealand Originals), Geek Girl (Netflix), Invasion (Apple TV+), Palm Royale (Apple TV+), Orphan Black (BBC AMERICA, CTV Sci-Fi Channel), The Next Step (BBC, Corus, CBC), Dino Ranch (Disney+, Disney Junior, CBC), and Dino Ranch: Island Explorers (Amazon Kids+, CBC, Warner Bros. Discovery EMEA). For more information, please visit www.boatrocker.com.
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