The Northern Minnesota Documentary “Hockeyland” To Premiere Next Month
Hockey In Minnesota is as natural as snow and cold temperatures. It is more than a sport it is a way of life from generation to generation and is the pride of small-town to Metro Area High Schools as well. For some kids, this is all they know and all they dream about. Whether it is just making the team to winning the state championship they all have the same goal.
I must admit growing up in Southern Wisconsin in a suburb outside of Milwaukee hockey was never as popular as it is here, our high school did not even have a hockey team. But my first winter in Minnesota back in college I was schooled rather quickly on just how big a deal the Minnesota High School Hockey State Tournament actually is.
Now fans can get a behind-the-scenes look at all the excitement of the season leading up to the state championship in a new documentary called "Hockeyland." This is the third film in the hockey trilogy from Northland Films, the producers of Pond Hockey and Forgotten Miracle.
The documentary is based around the Hermantown, Eveleth-Gilbert, and Mesabi East hockey teams which had its premiere last month in New York City with some of the players attending the premiere. Director Tommy Haines said to FOX21:
It was emotionally overwhelming for them honestly. Tears were shed and hugs were given. I think they’re mostly just appreciative. They’re appreciative that we spent some time with them and put a light on their story and Minnesota hockey and specifically Northern Minnesota hockey. They’re very excited about that and now, that legacy can live on through this project.
“Hockeyland” will debut in the Northland with three different screenings. The first two will be in Duluth at the Zeitgeist Zinema on February 2nd and 3rd. The third will be on February 4th at the Hibbing High School auditorium. All three screenings will be at 7 p.m. For more information on tickets, click here.
I am a sucker for documentaries and I definitely hope to check this one out to see these local teams highlighted in the film. Hopefully, it will get picked up by Netflix or some other streaming devices so that it can be seen by a national and worldwide audience in the future.