The authors showcase unique information that disproves previously held stereotypes. It turns out that the roots of Ukrainian hockey go back over a century. Ukrainian hockey players from immigrant families gained world fame while playing for teams in their new homeland. Meanwhile, they continued to maintain their language and culture. Throughout the 100-year existence of the NHL, more than fifty Ukrainians became champions of the League. This is the largest number of champions representing a non-North American nationality. Even the best hockey player of all times, Wayne Gretzky, is of Ukrainian descent.
Production
Rare archival footage of early Ukrainian-Canadian hockey clubs.
Direction
Mula weaves personal family stories with epic sports history.
Director
Volodymyr Mula
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Over 50 Ukrainian-descended players won Stanley Cups—more than any other non-North American heritage group in NHL history.
The film reveals how Ukrainian-Canadian communities built their own hockey leagues in the 1910s-30s as cultural safe spaces before integration.
UA
CA
