TSN has acquired Canadian rights and NHL Network US and world rights to the Russell Westbrook executive produced documentary feature The Cannons (Brothers on Ice) which will debut December 16 across North America.
In Canada, The Cannons Premieres December 16 @ 7pm ET on TSN5. Additional airings at different days and times, check local listings.
The film directed by Steven Hoffner and co-directed by AJ Messier, had its World Premiere at DOC NYC. The feature is an up-close look at the Fort Dupont Cannons, a predominately all African-American hockey club set in one of America’s toughest neighborhoods of Southeast Washington DC.
The film follows the legendary Coach Neal Henderson and two teenage boys in their senior year of high school, Rayvon Hall and Robert Lynch, as they pursue keeping the team alive during a tumultuous season. Robert intends to apply for a spot as a police cadet, while Rayvon clings to the dream of playing college hockey.
“Having the opportunity to screen the film in prestigious film festivals in New York City, Los Angeles and Cleveland has been quite the thrill,” says Steven Hoffner. “But to finally have this story seen by a national television audience in the United States and Canada is something extra special.”
NBA All Star and Executive Producer Russell Westbrook has supported the film in its pursuit of an audience. “Having grown up in the inner city, I understand how important stories like these are for the Black community,” Westbrook said. “Seeing role models like Coach Neal recognized is crucial in shaping a positive narrative about Black youth and their histories. While my own journey has been shaped by a different sport, this film underscores the universal power of brotherhood.”
The film is also executive produced by Emmy award winning producer Rob Ford (Starting Five, Race: Bubba Wallace). “Coach Neal is a national treasure who deserves to be celebrated for the community he has created and the lives he’s changed in DC,” states Rob Ford. “This film is a love letter to Coach Neal and it warms my heart to see his legacy finally getting the honor and celebration it deserves.”
The film is executive produced by Russell Westbrook, Raynard Westbrook, Donnell Beverly, Robert Walker Branchaud and Rob Ford. Hoffner and Messier also serve as executive producers. The Cannons (Brothers on Ice) is produced by 383 Pictures and Hogtown Studios in association with Zero World Media.
This is the first documentary feature by Hoffner, who also shot and edited the film.
