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With another hockey season well under way, it’s the perfect time to stock up on hockey movies to keep you entertained on your favorite team’s off nights. For adults, of course, there are movies like Slap Shot. For young fans, though, there’s the family-friendly Canadian hockey film, Sticks and Stones.
Inspired by a true story, Sticks and Stones takes place in 2003, shortly after the beginning of the war in Iraq. International tension is already running high as two kids’ hockey teams—one from Brockton, Massachusetts, and one from Fredericton, New Brunswick—are eagerly preparing for a big match-up in Montreal. When the Brockton team arrives for the game, their bus is attacked by anti-war protestors—and, later that night, they’re harassed during an NHL game.
Things only get worse during the kids’ game, as both the refs and the crowd continue to torment the young American players. Though the New Brunswick coach (David Sutcliffe) just wants a fair game, the refs won’t let up, and the Brockton team walks out and heads home.
Frustrated by the game’s turnout and determined to make amends, Fredericton team captain Jordy Martin (Alexander DeJordy) suggests a rematch. In order to make it happen, though, he’ll have to find a ways to raise the money to pay for the game—and he’ll have to convince the Brockton parents to let their kids come back to Canada.
Originally aired on Canada’s CTV, this family-friendly sports drama certainly feels like a made-for-TV movie. In fact, it has all the melodrama of an ‘80s After School Special. There’s all kinds of family drama—from marriages in distress to angry, disillusioned tweens. The writing is a bit cheesy, and the acting is often overdone. The stereotypes, too, are laughable—especially (for me) in the States, where everyone’s a hard-working, heavy-accented, dyed-in-the-wool patriot, and the ol’ Stars and Stripes hangs from every home and every car. (Incidentally, when one of my Canadian family members visited the States, he mentioned how surprised he was that there weren’t more flags—because he always thought that all Americans had flags everywhere.)
Still, despite its shortcomings and its moments of cheesiness, Sticks and Stones has its heart in the right place. It tells a touching story of friendship, goodwill, and acceptance. It’s an inspiring film, too—showing younger viewers that you don’t have to be a grown-up to make a difference.
Kids will also be able to relate to the young stars’ problems at home—their fears, frustration, and insecurities. Again, it’s a bit overdone, but it’s an enjoyable film nonetheless. So, for kid-friendly action on the ice and a good lesson in sportsmanship, Sticks and Stones makes a heartwarming pick for your aspiring hockey star’s next post-practice party.
